Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller were among the names mentioned in rumored trade talks together with Kelly Olynyk but it looks like they will continue to stay in Beantown for the meantime.
Recall that the Celtics were linked to possible trade rumors on big names such as DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. All those, however, never materialized, although the rumors stay up in the air.
For now, that trade rumor is shelved considering Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé has no plans of letting his star forward go. With that in mind, the Celtics move on.
Unless another player comes up worthy to be given attention, Sullinger and Zeller are likely to be offered contract extensions heading into the new season.
No less than Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said that discussions have begun with the two players who are entering their final year. The two players have been vital cogs for the Celtics and certainly their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Sullinger has made a good account of himself through the stormy years of the Celtics. Last season, he averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 rebounds, decent numbers that should continue to improve with the proper exposure and guidance.
Zeller, on the other hand, hasn't done bad himself. After transferring to Boston from Cleveland (Cavaliers), Zeller has made his contributions as well with 10.2 points per outing to go with about 5.2 caroms a game.
Considering the Celtics have a loaded frontline, these two players certainly hold big promise for Boston. Sullinger is only 23 while Zeller is 25, young turks who obviously have a lot of professional ball ahead of them.
So does this mean that the Celtics have held off acquiring big name players like Cousins? Well, maybe not entirely or perhaps for the next couple of years. But the thing is Sullinger and Zeller are two key players who have held up the fort for the Celtics so it is high time they be rewarded for such.
