Just over a week away from the trade deadline, the Boston Celtics are in a bit of a predicament. After their hot start to the season, the reigning champions have cooled off drastically over the last month. The Celtics are just 5-5 in their last 10 games and are only one game ahead of the No. 3 seed New York Knicks. Naturally, they could look for reinforcements as the trade deadline. However, due to their financial situation, making an impactful move will prove difficult for Boston. Regardless, there is one particular Celtic to keep an eye on ahead of the trade deadline–Jaden Springer.
According to Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Connor (YouTube link), the Celtics are “open to trading” Springer.
“I’ve heard that they’re open to trading [Celtics] Jaden Springer. He’s been playing lately. I’d imagine that they’re trying to feature him to increase his value,” O’Connor said. “He’s a very good defender, hitting some 3’s for Boston, some clutch 3’s.”
Additionally, O’Connor mentioned big men Day’Ron Sharpe and Walker Kessler as possible targets for the Celtics.
“I’d look to flip Jaden Springer for a Big. I think Day’ron Sharpe is interesting. If they package 2 1sts with Springer to the Jazz for Walker Kessler, I’d be interested in that type of trade package as well.”
Boston Celtics Are Reportedly ‘Open to Trading’ Young Champion
Why the Boston Celtics May Trade Jaden Springer
The Celtics acquired Springer from the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of last year’s deadline. However, in Boston, Springer has had a difficult time cracking the rotation. Furthermore, he is currently getting paid $4 million this season and will hit restricted free agency in the summer. While his contract is not expensive on its own, with how expensive the Celtics’ payroll is, this is a bit of an overpay in this situation. Additionally, Springer is still just 22 years old and provides a lot of value. If the Celtics are looking to shed a little bit of salary, trading Springer is the most logical option.
Jaden Springer’s Season So Far
For the first two months of the season, Springer rarely saw the court. However, the North Carolina native has played a lot more recently, getting playing time in 13 of Boston’s last 17 games. Springer had his best game of the season in Boston’s overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month. In the win, he recorded eight points, two rebounds, and four steals. His stat line does not do his performance justice, however, as he came up big in clutch moments and played a major role in the Celtics’ win. After the game, Jayson Tatum spoke about Springer’s performance, calling it “unbelievable” (YouTube link).
“Springer was unbelievable tonight,” Tatum said. “… Super impressive. That’s being the ultimate professional. You never know when you’re going to play. Game not going the way that it’s supposed to and we expect, and Joe [Mazzulla] calls your number to come shut somebody down and give us a spark off the bench, and he did that.”
With the trade deadline looming, Springer’s days in Boston could be over soon. However, he has made it much more difficult for the team to trade him, even if they are open to it.
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