In early October, Kyrie Irving told the world that he plans to re-sign with the Boston Celtics, seemingly removing himself from the board when it comes to free agency in the summer of 2019. In obvious ways, that announced decision is impactful, as the Celtics were already in a fantastic position for the future and that is solidified by the presence of a top-tier point guard at the helm.
However, Irving’s announcement also has an effect on Terry Rozier, the young guard who helped the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals just a few months ago. Presumably, Irving will actually follow through with his choice to stick around in Boston (though it has to be noted that his verbal commitment isn’t exactly binding), which would leave Rozier with a very interesting choice when July 1, 2019 arrives.
Brian Robb of Boston Sports Journal brings word, though, that the proclamation from Irving hasn’t stopped the Celtics and Rozier from “active” discussions about a contract extension. It is unclear as to whether a deal will get done between the two sides before the deadline for any extension arrives on Oct. 15, but the simple presence of negotiations created a stir, in part due to the surprise factor after Irving’s announcement.
With that said, it still makes sense for the Celtics to pursue an extension with Rozier, and it makes sense for Rozier to ink a deal. Boston would be heavily committed from a financial standpoint in the backcourt if Irving returns on a max contract, particularly with Marcus Smart locked up on an eight-figure deal for the next four seasons. However, Rozier’s value is at an all-time high after his “breakout” during the 2018 playoffs and, at the age of 24, there is reason to believe that he can continue to improve.
That may not seem like the perfect recipe for extension talks but, on the team side, getting Rozier on what amounts to a below-market contract could still be beneficial. Boston will need middling salary (especially for a solid player) in order to pursue top-tier players on the trade market and, even independent of that, there are teams in the league that almost certainly would be interested in dealing for Rozier if he was signed long-term on a value contract. If Rozier stuck around, he would be an expensive insurance policy in some ways but, with Smart able to play a true wing role on the defensive end, there is room for more than a pure backup role for Rozier and Irving isn’t always the most durable player.
The player side may be a tougher sell but, in the same breath, Rozier can’t guarantee that he will be able to showcase his talents to their full extent this season. If Irving (and, to a lesser extent, Smart) can play the entire season, Rozier’s role will almost certainly be limited when compared to the end of the 2017-18 campaign. That wouldn’t stop the former Louisville standout from playing well but it might limit his free agent market to some degree in July, and there is possibility that securing his long-term financial future before the regular season begins could be in his best interest overall.
If an extension came together, the next step would be fascinating. The Celtics don’t really have more of a role to offer Rozier and, given the way he’s performed when asked, it seems safe to assume that, ultimately, the 2015 first-round pick would enjoy more responsibility down the line. That would seem to lead to a trade making all kinds of sense but, at the moment, Boston’s hands may be tied to some degree in dealing Rozier now, simply because the team is pursuing an NBA title and any player who can help them achieve that goal will have a crucial role this season. Unless, of course, Rozier and a pick or two from the Celtics’ war chest of assets can help land them a really good player, then who knows what would happen?
In the end, an extension doesn’t appear overly likely, simply because the Irving domino has fallen and Rozier still has some work to do — if only in increasing the sample of his strong play — when it comes to fully establishing himself as a starting-quality player worthy of a massive financial investment. Still, it wouldn’t take a lot of effort to justify such a deal on either side and Rozier’s presence is yet another reminder of the fantastic position that Danny Ainge, Brad Stevens and company find themselves in at this juncture.
