NBA Free Agency: 10 players most likely to move this summer
By Tom West
5. Jared Sullinger
The Celtics’ summer could go in two very opposite directions. They could either be the biggest success of any team in the NBA, making an excellent selection with their third overall draft pick, pulling off a blockbuster trade with that pick and their many assets, or sign some high-profile free agents to their increasingly alluring situation.
On the other hand, they might not make a massive deal, they won’t get a superstar, and fans hoping to see big changes will be left underwhelmed.
Regardless of how this summer pans out for the Celtics, though, they should be aiming high. They aren’t quite as close to being a top contender as some would argue after they defied expectations this season, but they have the groundwork to add a star or two and reach a new level.
For someone like Jared Sullinger, a key contributor ready to hit free agency, the Celtics’ likely goal to improve their frontcourt could leave him without a new contract.
“We’ll see,” Sullinger told Chris Mannix of The Vertical. “I understand there’s a lot of free agents out there. I understand there’s a lot of draft picks they have. There might be a lot of movement. But regardless of whatever happens, I have to thank the Celtics organization for what they have done. They gave me a chance when nobody else was going to give me a chance. And just for that I feel like I owe them. I would love to come back.”
Sullinger, who may lack a consistent three-point shot (28.2 percent this season) and solid defense outside of the post, has still proven himself to be highly productive in his starting role and 23 minutes per game. When converting his averages per 36 minutes, he put up 15.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks this season, which should be enough to garner him a solid contract as the cap rises.
If a team thinks they can polish his jumper even more, he may be out of the Celtics’ price range, especially if they make an addition like Al Horford and don’t have as many minutes left for Sullinger.
He’s admitted that he’d love to come back, but his new contract may be decided by the Celtics hoping to take a few steps beyond their current talent level.
Next: 4. Brandon Jennings