The Boston Celtics — widely expected to sign point guard Kemba Walker when free agency opens — will not renounce their qualifying offer to restricted free agent Terry Rozier “until they have to,” per Yahoo Sports' Keith Smith.

Rozier, being a restricted free agent, can sign an offer sheet with any team, but the Celtics have the ability to match any offer. The Celtics will likely not match any offer due to a max contract commitment going to soon-to-be-former Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker.

For the Celtics, this (lack of a) move is being made in order to maximize flexibility given the rather large commitment to 6-1 guard Walker.

Rozier is known for rising to the occasion when Kyrie Irving went down during the 2017-18 season for the Celtics. The University of Louisville product started in place of Irving — expected to sign a max deal with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency — during the 2018 playoffs. 

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The Celtics never returned to form this past season, however, as Irving returned to the starting lineup and Rozier went back to bench duties. Seeking a new home, rumors indicate Rozier has interest from the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls. 

Rozier averaged 7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 272 games for Boston, shooting 38% from the field, 35.4% from 3-point range, and 77.7% from the free throw line.

In the 2018 playoffs, however, Rozier stepped up and averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 19 games started and 36.6 minutes per game. The then-23-year-old shot 40.6% from the floor, 34.7% from deep, and 82.1% from the charity stripe in Kyrie Irving’s stead.