Feb 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) celebrates a three-point basket against the New York Knicks during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics didn't land a star free agent this summer, but all the players they did sign are now on very team-friendly contracts. Jonas Jerebko and Amir Johnson sit atop that list, each agreeing to a two-year deal with a non-guaranteed second season.
That's huge for the Celtics, who get the flexibility next summer to waive both players at no cost, adding $17 million of extra cap space to play with as they search out other deals.
Even more convenient, Boston has until July 3, 2016 to make a decision, according to Grantland's Zach Lowe:
"The Celtics have the flexibility to do almost whatever they'd like with these three. If they land on agreeable salaries, Boston could re-sign all of them without imperiling its cap room -- especially since Boston somehow convinced Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko to swallow fully nonguaranteed contracts, worth about $17 million combined, for 2016-17. Boston can waive them any time before July 3, per league documents, giving the C's two days to court big-money free agents who would justify opening up that extra $17 million in room."
If the Celtics come away empty handed, they can then guarantee Jerebko and Johnson, and have two versatile bigs stay in their frontcourt.
It's a win-win situation.
(h/t: Grantland)
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