The Celtics have decided to renounce their $4,433,683 qualifying offer for Jared Sullinger, tweets Kevin O’Connor of SB Nation. The news first appeared on the NBA’s transaction wire, and a source confirmed it to O’Connor.
The move, which also affects Sullinger’s exception rights, means he will go from being a restricted free agent to an unrestricted one. Boston had limited playing time to offer the 6’9″ power forward after signing Al Horford in free agency and allowing Amir Johnson‘s $12MM deal to become guaranteed for next season.
Sources at summer league games told A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE that the market has slowed considerably for restricted free agent big men. Teams are reluctant to tie up their cap space for three days while waiting to see if the player’s team will match an offer.
It is uncertain whether the Celtics’ move will help Sullinger get an offer more quickly. He started 73 games for Boston last season and was the team’s leading rebounder with 8.3 per night, but he has faced questions about his conditioning throughout his four years in the NBA.
Is this a favor for Sully or do they need the cap room?
Favor.. wolves could use him
Called this one before the Durant decision came down. Makes sense