Ex-Celtics Guard Inks Multi-Year Deal With Danny Ainge-Led Team

Former Boston Celtics guard Jaden Springer was buried in the depth chart with the reigning NBA champions, but the 22-year-old found a new home.

The Utah Jazz signed Springer to a multi-year deal Sunday, per team announcement. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the contract is for three years, which comes less than two weeks after Utah, led by CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge, signed Springer to a 10-day contract.

Springer logged 26 appearances with the Celtics, averaging 1.7 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists through 5.4 minutes of playing time. His biggest performance came against the Los Angeles Clippers when Springer knocked down two critical 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help seal a tight 117-113 victory in overtime. It helped raise Springer’s stock value a tad bit, but it wasn’t enough to convince Boston to keep the defensive-first guard on the roster once the trade deadline came around.

Boston dealt Springer to the Houston Rockets, along with a 2027 second-round pick and a 2030 second-round pick, in exchange for a 2031 second-rounder. Springer’s departure helped the Celtics reduce their tax penalty from $65.5 million to $50.2 million, offloading $4 million in the Tennesee products contract. However, Springer never suited up for Houston as the Rockets waived Springer, allowing Ainge to swoop in.

Springer has only played four games with the Jazz, but it’s been enough to leave an impression on Ainge and company. He’s averaged 3.5 points with 1.8 assists, shooting 55.6% from the floor in 8.8 minutes — a slight boost of playing time — with Utah and considering Springer’s age, the upside remains promising. Drafted in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, Springer showed elite defensive promise and was among the most electric high school prospects to come out of IMG Academy.

Since the Celtics, contending for another title, and Springer, in need of an outlet to develop, are at opposing stages, the fit wasn’t right. Boston needs experienced contributors ready to support the Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown-led starting five now and Springer isn’t proven enough. But with Ainge’s Jazz, currently competing for the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes with the second-worst record (15-45) in the NBA, Springer has a less demanding and more free environment to make mistakes, gain confidence and grow.