Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier talk like they may leave Celtics
The Boston Celtics are expected to undergo serious changes over the offseason and frankly, could use them. Major changes could include the departures of Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier.
After the Celtics lost in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday to the Milwaukee Bucks to end their season, some of Boston’s players were asked about their future.
Irving, who could become one of the most prominent free agents, talked about “moving on to the next thing,” indicating he could play elsewhere.
Kyrie Irving: “Truth be told, it’s no time to be disappointed. You take your lessons, the ass whooping they handed us, and you move on. … I know I won’t forget something like this. For me, it’s just moving on to the next thing, and seeing where that ends up.”
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 9, 2019
Rozier had a “no comment” about his future, leading the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn to believe the guard is gone.
Safe to say Terry Rozier is ready to get out of Boston. When asked about the #Celtics having the right to match any offer to him this summer, he said: "No comment."
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) May 9, 2019
Rozier will be a restricted free agent after the season. The Celtics would have the right to match any contract he signs, but he may strongly discourage them from doing so. He emerged in the playoffs last year but struggled to find minutes this year and averaged 9.0 points on 22.7 minutes per game. However, if Irving opts out of his contract to become a free agent and leaves, that might open up minutes for Rozier and change his opinion about a future in Boston.