Avery Bradley‘s value has always been kind of difficult to pin down, but he’s putting a premium on his abilities with restricted free agency looming.
Bradley is seeking $8 million per year in his new contract and turned down a contract extension that would have paid him roughly $6 million per year, according to Bleacher Report. The Celtics would have the opportunity to match any offer Bradley receives next summer.
Obviously, $2 million is not a massive disparity in the world of the NBA, but as a source told Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling, it could make things “tricky” in the Celtics’ attempt to re-sign Bradley. The fourth-year guard is a top-tier defender and has improved his offensive output to 13.3 points per game on 45 percent shooting this season, but his offense remains a work in progress. At $8 million, he would be the fourth-highest paid player on the Celtics next season, assuming the roster stays as is.
The deal the team offered before the season, for a reported four years and $24 million, was rejected prior to the Oct. 31 deadline. The Celtics hold a $3.6 million qualifying offer and a $6.3 million cap hold on Bradley next offseason.
Bradley is making $2.5 million this season in the final year of his rookie deal.
