The extension of Rozier is unlikely but it puts the accent on the future

BOSTON – The Celtics have been on the eve of their opening game next season to announce that fourth-year guard Terry Rozier will extend his rookie pact. The deadline will certainly be exceeded without agreement, not because the two parties do not really want to extend this partnership, it is simply difficult to envisage an agreement that meets the objectives of both parties.

But the imminent deadline will highlight the fascinating situation of Rozier. The 24-year-old has imposed himself as a starting goalie in the playoffs last year. Rozier will now be asked to assume a lesser role in a season that could dictate the size of his first big payday for the NBA.

Rozier should have little interest in a friendly extension to the team. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 36.6 minutes, while he was starting 19 playoff games in place of the injured Kyrie Irving last season. The Celtics advanced to the NBA finals, while Rozier and his brand "Scary Terry" became a household name partly because of Rozier's personality (and Drew Bledsoe's help).

Everyone seems to want a share of Rozier now and he has signed a sneaker deal with Puma and new media partnerships to prove it. There should be no shortage of interested basketball contenders next summer when a horde of teams with enough space will cover his services.

Of course, there is no certainty that Rozier will paddle in restricted open waters. But remember, another Boston Alternate Guards, Marcus Smart, found an interesting market for his services last summer and still got a solid $ 52 million expansion over four years.

Rozier should find a much more lucrative market if his offensive skills would be more appealing to the teams. Remember that Zach LaVine, whose regular-season statistics line (16.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3 assists) in limited appearances for Chicago was comparable to Rozier's playoff line, emerged with a pact $ 78 million for four years when the Bulls have kings tender sheet.

By signing an extension now, Rozier would almost certainly be sacrificing money for a team that can not guarantee him the kind of role that he undoubtedly wants to go from there. ;before. While Irving had surprisingly expressed his intention to sign back with Boston next summer, the Celtics should commit about $ 45 million alongside Irving and Smart, while potentially very expensive contract is emerging for Jaylen Brown.

In addition, a potentially user-friendly extension would only make Rozier a more attractive commercial option, leaving him vulnerable in the event that the Celtics find themselves in a stalemate of talent and a willingness to lose their salary given the imminent tax concerns luxury.

Fortunately for the Celtics, Rozier seems to approach his unique situation with a positive disposition. Rozier knows that even in a small role, his value will continue to fly if he is a contributor to a team that aspires to a title.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens praised Rozier, one of Boston's top players in a disappointing pre-season, and suggested that he leave as many minutes as possible.

Even in the absence of overtime, this season will give Celtics more clarity on how best to allocate their resources. It's clear that there's simply not enough guard minutes to pass, Smart or Rozier could be moved to allow the Celtics to dive below the tax line and recover their future assets. If both become key contributors to a winning team, Boston will be able to carry them through the season and re-examine the cost of keeping Rozier this summer while letting the market dictate its price.

The Celtics just have to hope that Rozier – and the rest of Boston's squad brigade – will continue to play their roles throughout the season. Injuries, as they almost always do, will present increased opportunities at different times of the season. And Stevens is committed to giving minutes to the players who have the most impact on the win.

Rozier will probably not have an extension, but he will have a lot of motivation. And that could be just as valuable for the Celtics this season.