Celtics Reportedly Exploring Trade Value Of Reserve Unit Guard

The Boston Celtics were left no choice but to make some tough roster decisions entering this season, most notably parting ways with preseason standout Lonnie Walker IV to alleviate the luxury tax severity attached to the franchise’s hefty payroll.

Retaining Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman Sr. (for over $500 million in combined extensions) set off a domino effect that made it improbable for Walker — signed to an Exhibit 10 deal — to stick around.

Furthermore, it’s since left Boston to run with a 14-man roster to begin its title defense, keeping the 15th and final bench spot vacant. So to help alleviate what could snowball into a greater depth and financial issue down the line, the Celtics are rumored to have been in contact with other teams regarding the trade value of guard Jaden Springer.

“It’s been explained to me from my friends around the league that trading Jaden Springer, come February, could save Boston upward of $7 million in the tax savings that could potentially offset the penalties that would come with bringing on someone like Lonnie Walker,” Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported. “… I definitely heard around the league that the Celtics — or at least a fraction of the Celtics’ front office — called in with several teams to check in on Jaden Springer’s value. And that’s a thing that’s common, it happens. Deadlines create action and needing from flexibility and creativity and teams will check in with other teams to see what the valuations are around the league to see who’s interested, just to file it away. Keep it in their database.”

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Springer joined the Celtics as a last-minute acquisition made by the front office before the NBA trade deadline last season. Boston surrendered Dalano Banton, a 2024 second-round draft selection and cash considerations to the Philadelphia 76ers in the swap to welcome Springer aboard. The 22-year-old made 17 appearances, including one start, with the Celtics before the playoffs began, averaging 2.1 points on 43.3% shooting from the floor with 1.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 7.6 minutes.

Seated at the end of the bench behind unofficial sixth man Payton Pritchard, patiently rummaging for minutes has been a challenge for Springer. He played 5:33 toward the tail-end of Boston’s blowout victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, going scoreless with one shot attempt, three rebounds and an assist. Perhaps elsewhere, Springer will find a more favorable opportunity to log consistent minutes and showcase himself. But in Boston, that might take a while.

Similarly to what Pritchard dealt with two seasons ago, Springer is the current odd man out on the depth chart. The Celtics are still in their win-now phase so head coach Joe Mazzulla — pending a blowout — will lean toward the most established and reliable roster members on a nightly basis to better Boston’s chances of a repeat. Springer is seemingly at a crossroads in his journey to becoming an everyday NBA player and finding his footing, which might not come to life in a Celtics uniform.

This season’s NBA trade deadline — a ways away — is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. ET.