By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Celtics and Hornets are essentially swapping point guards. Restricted free agent Terry Rozier is signing a three-year, $58 million deal with the Hornets as a sign-and-trade with the C’s, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
It’s unclear how the reported sign-and-trade is going to shake out in the end. But what’s certain is that former Hornets point guard Kemba Walker is now a Celtic and Rozier will head to Charlotte for less than half the money.
Danny Ainge needed to either renounce Rozier’s rights or work out a sign-and-trade in order to create enough space under the cap to sign Walker to a max deal, which will cost $32.7 million next season. Comparatively, Rozier’s deal with the Hornets carries a $19 million AAV.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier on Sunday that the Celtics were interested in a sign-and-trade with both the Hornets and Nets, which would have included the departing Kyrie Irving as the third player in the deal. The goal was to create a full mid-level exception so they could sign a free agent for an extra $9.2 million.
However these moves ultimately get done, the three teams are essentially playing musical chairs with their point guards.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.