Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said tonight the team did not extend a qualifying offer to Leon Powe, making him an unrestricted free agent.
While the Celtics did retain the right to match any contract offer to Glen Davis through the qualifying offer, Ainge said the injury status of Leon Powe - who had reconstructive left knee surgery after tearing his ACL in the playoff series vs. the Bulls - was a determining factor in the decision.
Ainge said Powe has been rehabbing with the team’s medical staff and will continue to have access to the staff, if he chooses, despite no longer being with the team. Ainge said he believed Powe was planning to continue his rehab in California.
Ainge did not rule out ultimately bringing Powe back based on his progress from his latest ACL surgery and said the issue could be revisted later in the summer.
Can't say this is unexpected. They'll probably still make him an offer at some point but don't want to be locked into anything. Hopefully he'll be back when all is said and done.