The Boston Celtics are working to determine whether or not they will invest in their talent already on the roster or prepare for potential marquee deals to come either midseason or in 2016. It is no secret the Celtics did not have offseason they were hoping to get as everyone from DeAndre Jordan to Kevin Love passed on the option of heading to Boston. Now with players available for new contracts, will the Celtics give out bigger deals or wait for bigger names?
Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller are both available to get new contracts before the season begins. CSNNE.com's A.Sherrod Blakely reported that the Celtics have had discussions with both players about long-term contract extensions, but have yet to commit to the idea. A contract to Zeller would set the market for players like Harrison Barnes and Andre Drummond as he admits it would be nice to get paid now and not later despite the chance of having a bigger pay day when the cap space increases.
"It would be nice to have an extension, just a little more security," Zeller said, via CSNNE.com. "But at the same time, you have to approach the year and you can't be heartbroken if you don't get it. You have to make sure you're fully prepared. Either way, I have to do my job this year. I have one more year on my contract. So I have to go out and do as much as I can to help our team this year."
The Celtics are preparing to have a solid amount of cap space next season which opens the door for a number of deals. Signing Zeller and Sullinger now could complicate that process. According to the Boston Herald, the Celtics are eyeing big moves at the mid-season deadline and next offseason.
Trade talk for DeMarcus Cousins or Markieff Morris have been tossed around, but those deals are very unlikely, as the Suns and Kings have both reportedly been unwilling to make deals with those players. Boston has yet to make serious moves towards either of these deals as they seem almost impossible before the season begins. The mid-season deadline could be something to watch for Boston. The Celtics have been smart about keeping their options open, but so far that has yet to produce any big names for the team. Locking down someone like Zeller who had a solid season for the Celtics last year could be a smart move.
The Celtics might not be championship contenders just yet, but they are putting the pieces together. Trainign camp will feature a lot of battles taking place. There is a long jam of frontcourt players the Celtics must sort out while the point guard position is up in the air. Isaiah Thomas wants to start while Marcus Smart looks to prove he is the future for the team. It will be an interesting camp for the team.