what does not picking up kelly's option mean

[Csfan1984]

Cap flexibility

[Rosco917]

IMO it means Kelly needs to get back, and be more effective than he's ever been, for as much of this season as he can.

Kelly has always been up and down as player, always turning the corner, and falling back, combine that with his injuries, and slowish return times...maybe club patients are beginning to wither.

[Celtics4ever]

They do not trust his shoulder, perhaps.

[Kuberski33]

Ainge said they need to keep cap flexibility.  But I also think they'd like to see him stay healthy for an extended period of time.  He was really starting to come along before this current shoulder thing.

[aingeforthree]

They need the flexibility. No need to pick up the option.

They're trading for a big this year (DMC, Jordan).

Then picking up free agent Gordon Hayward to replace the player (Bradley, Crowder, Brown) that went with the Brooklyn pick(s) in trade.

[BudweiserCeltic]

It simply means the the Celtics will have more cap room next year.  His cap hold next summer is approximately $7.7 million.  If they had offered him a deal of more than about 4 years for $34 million, his salary would have been larger than his cap hold.  The Celtics need every penny to have room for a max free agent (it's why James Young didn't get his option picked up), and accordingly they would have had a difficult time increasing his salary for next year beyond his cap hold.  Olynyk and his agent both knew this, and no one expected a deal to be reached.

Unless he's terrible this season, I expect he'll re-sign with the Celtics next summer for somewhere between $16-18 million per season.

I haven't had time to read the thread, but I think based on what is mentioned in the OP, I think it's worth clarifying (if it hasn't already) that there was no Team Option (or anything along those lines) to pick-up with Kelly.

The only difference here is that they'll be negotiating a contract in free-agency as opposed to now.

[rollie mass]

TP-thanks

[spikelovetheCelts]

They need more defense and rebounding up front around Horford if they are to go anywhere.
Doubt they'll re-sign KO, Amir or Zeller. Maybe they'll sign Noel next year. He isn't staying in Philly, and wants to play in his hometown.

This is my hope. I like KO but he is not the piece we need. Noel is what moves the bar along with shooter to get us to win. I see Dallas making a run at him as well as Toronto.

[green_bballers13]

It means that Kelly is not a part of the Celtics future. Thank goodness. I would have hated a deal where he makes over $3m per year for more than 2 years. This guy stinks!!!