:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35098396/485156461.0.jpg)
The Boston Celtics have agreed to terms with restricted free agent Avery Bradley, according to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett. Various reports indicate that the 23-year-old guard will sign to a four-year, $32 million contract, as first reported by the Boston Globe's Baxter Holmes.
Bradley said yesterday at his own basketball camp, "Boston is my home now, I've been here for four years. They think I'm from here because I've been here for so long," so it appears he has stayed true to his word, but it is surprising that the deal came so soon.
Either way, re-signing Avery Bradley is a huge win for the Celtics, and getting him at only $8 mil per could be a bargain considering his production. Bradley is arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA and will continue to improve on the offensive end.
Towards the end of last season, we got a glimpse of why Bradley was a top 5 ranked high school recruit when he comfortably and consistently drained above-the-break three-pointers. If he continues that work throughout the summer, all of those mid-range jumpers from last season will soon turn into three-point opportunities next year, increasing his production drastically.
Bradley still needs to improve as a ball handler, but it's so easy to forget that he's only 23-years-old, so he has plenty of time to do so. If Bradley's able to improve his dribbling, he could someday become a much better scorer than we all expect.
But injuries have plagued Avery Bradley's career, which leads some to believe that this is an overpay. While they are a legitimate concern, Bradley is only 23-years-old, just growing into his body, and will be serious underpay if he manages to stay healthy and keep developing. Considering the position the Boston Celtics are in, he's well worth the risk.