Celtics news: Terry Rozier's rejected offer worth $12 million annually

Boston Celtics point guard Terry Rozier had the opportunity to sign an extension worth roughly $12 million per year, but he turned it down.

Boston Celtics point guard Terry Rozier had the opportunity to sign an extension worth roughly $12 million per year. However, A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston reported Sunday that the 24-year-old rejected the offer, leaving his options open as a restricted free agent after this season.

According to Blakely's report, Rozier's decision to decline Boston's offer was based on business.

The decision by Rozier to not accept the offer worth about $12 million annually was strictly business, with no hard feelings or bitterness on Rozier’s part towards Boston or vice versa.

The length of the extension offered to Rozier was not fully disclosed, but it seems he and his management team felt the time simply wasn't right.

“I’m in a great situation,” Rozier, smiling, told NBC Sports Boston. “My team felt it wasn’t good for me to sign an extension right now. It opens my options a little bit, but I’m focused on what’s happening right now.”

Rozier played a crucial role for the Celtics last season. When Kyrie Irving was sidelined with a knee injury, it was Scary Terry who saw increased playing time.

Rozier, now 24 years of age, made 80 appearances with the Celtics during their 2017-18 regular-season campaign, racking up averages of 11.3 points on 39.5 percent shooting from the field (38.1 percent from beyond the arc), 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a steal in 25.9 minutes per outing.

Waiting to reach an agreement with Boston allows Rozier to test his worth on the open market, where he is likely to draw quite a bit of interest. However, his decision to decline also leaves the Celtics with options.

Via NBC Sports:

So long as the Celtics tender Rozier a qualifying offer (a virtual certainty), he’ll become a restricted free agent on July 1. The Celtics will then have the right of refusal over any agreement that Rozier reaches with another team.

The Celtics kick off their regular-season campaign on Oct. 16 with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tip-off inside TD Garden is set for 8:00 p.m. ET with TNT having live broadcast coverage.