Report: Celtics renounce rights to Sullinger


Jared Sullinger (7) could be a free agent soon. Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Sullinger (7) could be a free agent soon. Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics continue to make modifications to their frontcourt as they opted against retaining forward Jared Sullinger, making him a free agent, multiple media outlets reported Sunday.

The Celtics added center-forward Al Horford in a major free-agent signing and retained forward Amir Johnson with the team option. They also drafted Guerschon Yabusele, a 6-foot-8 forward from France. Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller also warrant playing time in the frontcourt.

That leaves the 6-foot-9 Sullinger as an extra man in the frontcourt, so the Celtics renounced his qualifying offer of $4.4 million and his exception rights.

Sullinger averaged 10.3 points and a team-leading 8.3 rebounds per game last season while averaging 23.6 minutes. He also showed improvement on defense, however, his back condition continued to limit his effectiveness.

Sullinger is just 24 years old, so some team may be willing to sign him instead. He played in 81 games this past season, the most of his four-year NBA career. Sullinger started 73 of those games.