Parker signs for 3 years 43 million

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

Bradley also turned down an early extension. Got paid almost day one of free agency. Seems to be the way Ainge works.

[Greenbean]

In other words, they have Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker all under market value.  What's next?  Leonard for Bradley money?

Seriously! How do they do it? I mean who have they even lost to free agency in the last 15 years?

Id say they are like the pats but more pats free agents leave then stAy when they wont pay

[manl_lui]

In other words, they have Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker all under market value.  What's next?  Leonard for Bradley money?

Seriously! How do they do it? I mean who have they even lost to free agency in the last 15 years?

Id say they are like the pats but more pats free agents leave then stAy when they wont pay

Greg Pop, that's what really keeps them there

[Vermont Green]

•July 10, 2014 - June 30, 2015: Rondo can sign a three-year, $44.8 million extension
•July 10, 2015: Rondo can sign an estimated five-year, $108 million free-agent contract with the Celtics

Per  Jeff Clark @celticsblog  on Feb 1 2014, 11:06a

Lowry, 28, is coming off the best season of his eight-year career, averaging 17.9 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds a game.  The contract, which can be signed July 10, is worth $48 million over those four years

I have not heard it reported but I suspect that the 3 yr, $44.8M extension is on the table and that Rondo has declined to take it.  With Rondo, I get the sense that it is not so much about the money with him but the control.  I think he wants to be a FA like LeBron, Carmelo, Bosh, and have a chance to do what ever he wants.

I happen to think the extension package is a pretty good deal for both sides but it does not offer Rondo the freedom and control that I think he wants.  So how about if the offer is the extension package but make the 3rd added year a player option or an opt out after the first added year.

He would be committed to the Celtics for this year and 1 or 2 more (probably longer than he wants) but he gives himself a chance to play well and maybe increase his value and hit the FA market after the new TV deal and higher salary caps.  He is also well protected it he does reinjure himself or otherwise drops off as he can opt in for the last year(s) and still have a pretty nice 4 year, $57.7M deal, if my math is correct.  This is much better than the Lowry deal and better than Parker that works out to 4 years, $55.5M I think (but no opt out or player option year which are valuable clauses for a player).

Unfortunately, I don't think Rondo would do even this deal and as I said, not because he is greedy, but rather because he wants control and to decide where he wants to go and who he gets to play with.

So who is more likely to resign in Boston, Rondo or Lester?  I actually think it is very unlikely that either will be back.  I fear Lester will be a Yankee and Rondo will be a Laker.  UUgghh  That is why I think the Celtics need to step up and do what the Sox did.  Trade Rondo, get what you can while you still can get something.  I don't think Rondo's trade value will increase as the "rental period" gets shorter, no matter how he plays.  It is time to suck it up and trade Rondo.