According to sources close to the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers, guard Terry Rozier and head coach Chauncey Billups will not be receiving any form of salary or compensation during their current leaves of absence from their respective teams. The information was first disclosed to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who has been reporting on the matter.
Rozier, who is currently on leave from the Celtics, has not provided an official statement regarding the terms of his absence. Similarly, Billups, who recently left his coaching position with the Trail Blazers, has not yet commented on the situation. This development comes at a time when both athletes and coaches are navigating personal and professional challenges, which may have influenced the decision to suspend pay during their leaves.
The decision to forgo pay during leave does not necessarily indicate a financial strain on the teams, but rather a strategic move to manage resources amid ongoing uncertainties. As both individuals continue to focus on their personal matters, the league and their respective franchises are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.