The Celtics Are Trying To Dump Jaden Springer?

The Celtics Are Trying To Dump Jaden Springer?

Will the defending champion Boston Celtics do anything at the 2024-25 NBA Trade Deadline to improve their chances at repeating? It would appear that if there is one player who is on the hot seat on the roster, it’s guard Jaden Springer.

Springer, 22, is owed roughly $4 million this season and carries RFA right during the upcoming offseason. The rumor mill suggests that if there is one player on the roster moved, it’s likely going to be the former Tennessee product.

Brian Robb of MassLive had the following in a recent mailbag:

“There were multiple reports back in October that the Celtics explored moving Springer. My guess is that they did not try to move him during the offseason itself but once Lonnie Walker had a strong showing during the preseason, they likely considered opening up a roster spot for him since he would be a cheaper option than Springer at the veteran’s minimum (and a more proven player).”

“Ultimately, Jake Fischer reported that the Celtics would not have been able to move Springer without attaching some draft currency and that’s not a place the Celtics were willing to go at that point of the calendar. That’s for very good reason too. The Celtics have very limited flexibility across their roster with Springer essentially being the only player making more than the veteran’s minimum that’s not a core part of the rotation. If the Celtics do need to make a meaningful addition due to an injury, etc. he’s the only salary chip they have. That makes waiting and seeing with him the smarter play in all likelihood when it comes to the trade deadline.”

“When it comes to buyout options, the Celtics are dealing with some big limitations along with other second apron teams. They can only offer the veteran’s minimum to free agents and are limited in terms of what players they can pursue on the buyout market based on their salaries. Second apron teams can only sign players that were making mid-level exception money ($12 million per year) or less when they were bought out.”

“That means a player like Ben Simmons who has been a popular name in the rumor mill this week as a potential buyout candidate would not be allowed to sign with Boston if he does become a free agent during this season. The Celtics could eventually find some help on the free agent market to fill their 15th roster spot or another opening if Springer is dealt. However, it will only be from a player that was making modest money this year.”

Daryl Morey Explains Why The 76ers Gave Up On Jaden Springer

Soooo let’s follow the tea leaves here. The Celtics didn’t keep Lonnie Walker. Likely because they couldn’t find the right deal for Springer. Walker has since signed over in Europe and could come back to the NBA this season. Maybe things change and the C’s pull the trigger on that type of move?

My personal opinion… the Celtics should just stop being cheap. They’re carrying 14 players. Nothing was stopping them from signing Walker and carrying a 15th player. Nothing except the luxury tax. Sorry, not sorry, but you shouldn’t be allowed to complain about the tax when you employ a team like this who just won the Title.

On a quick side note here before we close, I did write a post detailing why Brad Stevens made the original trade for Springer. Check that out with this link here!

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