Celtics, Avery Bradley Unable To Reach Contract Extension Deal
The Boston Celtics and Avery Bradley were unable to reach a contract extension deal by the October 31 deadline.
Boston Globe Celtics reporter Gary Washburn tweeted early Friday that the team and Bradley were unable to agree to the framework of a four-year deal, and that the 22-year-old will become a restricted free agent next summer. When that happens, the Celtics will have the option to match any offer Bradley receives from other interested teams.
Avery Bradley and Celtics president Danny Ainge began negotiations for an extension last week. Ainge said he believed Bradley could be the foundation for the franchise’s future.
“I’ve been in contact with Avery and his people,” Ainge said Tuesday. “Avery’s a big part of our future regardless of what happens at this deadline.”
Bradley, however, didn’t seem too concerned with the extension ahead of the Celtics’ regular season debut against the Toronto Raptors Wednesday.
“I try not to focus on it. I’m just focusing on the game tomorrow,” Bradley said. “I’m excited about the first game. I haven’t really been worried about it, but if the opportunity comes where I do re-sign, I definitely would be happy to stay in Boston.”
The Celtics dropped their season opener to the Raptors, 87-93, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Bradley played 31 minutes and scored eight points, five rebounds, and four assists. The team faces the Milwaukee Bucks at home Friday night.
The Boston Celtics selected Avery Bradley as their 19th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He made his debut against the Charlotte Bobcats on February 7, 2011, following a spinal cord injury suffered by Marquis Daniels against the Orlando Magic the day before. Bradley played 31 games in the 2010-11 season, averaging only 5.2 minutes per game.
Bradley saw much more playing time the following season, playing in 64 games and starting in 28. He played an average of 21.4 minutes per game. He started in all 50 games he played in the 2012-13 season, playing a career-high 28.7 minutes per game.
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