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Sources tell CelticsBlog’s Keith Smith that the Boston Celtics will not extend a qualifying offer to 6’2” point guard Jonathan Gibson, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Source: The Boston Celtics will not tender a qualifying offer to Jonathan Gibson. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2018
Gibson was signed late in the year using the Hardship Exemption when Boston was down several injured players.
Gibson averaged 8.5 points per game, shooting 60% from the field and 60% from the 3-point line in 4 games for Boston after being signed with the Hardship Exemption late in the season. Gibson was ineligible for Boston’s playoff roster because of the circumstances surrounding his signing.
With the Celtics loading up on guaranteed contracts, there’s not much space to be had on the roster for next year. General Manager Danny Ainge typically likes to enter Training Camp in the fall with 14 guaranteed contracts to keep his eye open, and this might be an added step to keep that flexibility open as the Celtics enter the summer. Marcus Smart received a qualifying offer, and Jabari Bird received one as well. The Celtics have the option to match any offer sheets signed by other teams once free agency opens up on Sunday, July 1st.