In today's Celtics Rumors Roundup, the Boston Celtics may have lost out on one of their top targets for the 2014 NBA free agency period, yet look poised to retain one of their own prized free agents when teams begin to call on July 1st.
Celtics interested in Gordon Hayward, Jazz prepared to match offers
According to Utah Jazz beat writer Jody Genessey (via Matt Moore of CBS Sports), the Phoenix Suns are reportedly going to be the first team to test Gordon Hayward's restricted free agent tag - potentially offering the evolving 24-year-old frontcourt standout a huge deal in the very near future:
The Phoenix Suns are expected to make Gordon Hayward a significant offer, possibly a max deal, but Utah Jazz will match, per sources.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 29, 2014
If the Jazz match, that will take both the Suns and the Boston Celtics out of the running for Hayward - forcing both teams to concentrate their free-agent efforts elsewhere.
Celtics offer Avery Bradley qualifying offer
As reported by Ben Rohrbach of WEEI.com, "the Celtics have extended a $3.58 million qualifying offer to guard Avery Bradley, according to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn."
During a recent press conference surrounding the drafting of Marcus Smart and James Young, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge seemed confident that the team will retain Bradley - matching the $7-$9 million Bradley could command in a market seemingly bereft of quality shooting guards.
Kelly Olynyk to join Celtics in NBA Summer League
Per Boston.com, Kelly Olynyk will join the Celtics' NBA Summer League roster for the second-straight year, joining the team's 2014 draft class and a host of other young talent.
Olynyk had a great showing in the 2013 NBA Summer League, averaging 18.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while eliciting comparisons to a young Dirk Nowitzki.
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