Jared Sullinger announced on Twitter Monday that he is joining the Toronto Raptors. Marc Stein of ESPN reports it’s a one-year deal believed to be in the $6 million range.
WE THE NORTH #0
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) July 11, 2016
After signing Al Horford to a contract last week, the Boston Celtics rescinded their qualifying offer and renounced their rights to Sullinger, making him an unrestricted free agent. The 24-year-old former Ohio State big man averaged 11.1 points and 7.7 rebounds over four seasons with Boston.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens admitted it was tough moving on from Sullinger, but he knew there was a lot of interest in the team’s top pick in 2012.
“I think Jared’s a really good player, and I think Jared will continue to be a really good player,” Stevens told Chris Forsberg of ESPN. “Obviously when we got Al, that made us make hard decisions. And the thing that stinks about that is having to move on and move forward, both for him and us. But he’ll do great. Jared’s one of the more talented guys being able to get the ball off the glass, and he’s got a beautiful touch and he’s a good guy, and so I think he’ll do well.”
“I’m hopeful this move will benefit him as well, and I think it will. We’ll see where he lands, but I know there’s a lot of interest in him based on how my phone’s been ringing and everybody else’s, so I’m sure he’ll land where he wants to and do exceptionally well.”
The Raptors get some much-needed depth in the front court after losing Bismack Biyombo in free agency. The 6’9″ Sullinger set a career high for rebounding last season (8.3), and at 260 pounds, he has the bulk to move opposing big men out of the paint.
