Terry Rozier agrees to three-year, $58 million deal with Hornets
Terry Rozier is officially on his way out of Boston. The restricted free-agent point guard is signing a three-year, $58 million deal with the Hornets.
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 14: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the fourth quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesBy 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.
