When the offseason begins, the Boston Celtics’ first order of business is making sure that Kyrie Irving remains in town and their second order of business may very well be prying Anthony Davis (or Kevin Durant) away from their current teams.
Yet, when the dust settles, the Celtics’ next order of business may be re-signing guard Terry Rozier, who will be a restricted free agent in the offseason. Regardless of Irving’s plans, Rozier has developed a unique bond with Celtics president and general manager Danny Ainge and the relationship that they’ve forged has created an understanding and respect between the two.
That’s why, despite reports that Boston was in contact with the Phoenix Suns as the newly-dubbed “Valley Boyz” attempted to add a floor general that could steer their ship in the right direction, Rozier holds no grudges against Ainge for what could have resulted in him playing on a new team, in a new conference.
Per NBC Sports Boston‘s Chris Forsberg:
“I know he had some thoughts about trading me this year,” admitted Rozier. “I respected the business side of it. I don’t ever try to get too much in other people’s jobs. I try to do my job, which is on the court. Like I said, I know he had thoughts, but it didn’t happen.”
What truly prevented the Celtics from trading Rozier was likely a mix of the team being unsure if Irving would return to Boston in the offseason and the Suns not surrendering a draft pick with what they perceived to be fair value for Rozier. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old guard has “no complaints” about remaining with the Celtics past the trade deadline:
“You can have thoughts all you want but he didn’t [make a trade],” said Rozier. “I’m still glad to be a part of this organization and be a part of something great. I’ve got no complaints.”
That doesn’t mean that Rozier hasn’t had his share of frustrations this season, as he told Forsberg “sometimes, you know, a lot this year, I’ve wanted to put on the gloves with him, feel like we need to fight sometimes.” Of course, it’s all in good humor. However, the statement is revealing.
Rozier has played in Boston for four seasons and in those four years, Ainge has taken Rozier under his wing and become a sort of personal mentor. It’s rare to see that happen in the league and it shows that there’s a connection between the two that’s not formal but familial. One of kindred spirits.
Should Rozier return to Boston, talk of teams looking to acquire him won’t stop unless he consistently underwhelms on the court. He’s already looked at as a starter-level point guard by many teams and he’s yet to enter the prime of his career. Furthermore, a Rozier return would likely indicate that Irving has left town, a scenario which would likely lead to Rozier becoming a starter for the Celtics.
