Celtics plan to discuss extensions with Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger

The Boston Celtics are hoping to lock up two core pieces of their frontcourt, according to general manager Danny Ainge.

Ainge said he intends to engage centers Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger in contract extension talks later this offseason.

"Obviously, those are two guys that we like moving forward," Ainge told Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. "So, yeah, there will be more discussions with both of them, probably during the month of October."

Both Zeller and Sullinger have played three seasons in the league and have until Oct. 31 to work out an extension with the Celtics.

Zeller, 25, didn't make much of an impact in his first two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and found his footing with the Celtics last season. Zeller posted career highs in points (10.2), rebounds (5.7) and field-goal percentage (54.9) while playing in all 82 games for Boston.

An earlier report suggested Zeller could receive an extension offer from the Celtics.

The 23-year-old Sullinger, meanwhile, is less likely to receive an offer to his liking. After the Celtics bowed out in the playoffs, Ainge publicly criticized Sullinger's conditioning and questioned his ability to stay healthy. Sullinger, perhaps in response to Ainge's comments, was defiant and pledged to quiet his doubters.

Injuries aside, there's no denying Sullinger's talent. He's a dogged rebounder and an inventive scorer in the post. Last season, Sullinger averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 27 minutes per game.

However, Sullinger is a liability on defense and has never been a particularly efficient scorer. He posted a true-shooting percentage of 50.3 and the Celtics were 3.8 points worse per 100 possessions with him on the floor last season.

Still, there's value to be had with each player if Ainge can lock them into a suitable salary figure. A handful of players from the rookie class of 2012 have received extravagant extensions this offseason as general managers brace for significant jumps in the salary cap over the next two summers.

In the meantime, the Celtics enter 2015-16 with an embarrassment of riches in their frontcourt. In addition to Sullinger and Zeller, the Celtics also have David Lee, Amir Johnson, and Kelly Olynuk to play in the paint.