Just a day before the deadline, the Boston Celtics have made their first trade of the season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics have traded Jaden Springer and a 2030 second-round pick to the Houston Rockets. Both teams are also reportedly swapping “heavily protected” second-round picks.
The Boston Celtics are trading Jaden Springer and their 2030 second-round pick to the Houston Rockets, sources tell ESPN. Both teams are also exchanging heavily protected second-rounders. pic.twitter.com/rhcmgvvJQo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2025
This move does not come as a major shock. For much of the season, many expected the Celtics to move on from Springer. The 22-year-old guard is an impending restricted free agent and played spotty minutes in Boston. Additionally, by moving his contract, the Celtics now save roughly $15 million.
Boston moving Jaden Springer is about opening an additional roster spot and reducing their tax bill. Roughly $15M in actual dollars saved by the Celtics in this move, before signing a replacement player.
Houston takes a flyer (assuming they keep Springer) and picks up an…
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 5, 2025
Boston Celtics Officially Trade Jaden Springer to the Houston Rockets
Jaden Springer Showcased His Potential in Boston
Springer played 43 games with the Celtics across the past two seasons. In those games, he averaged 1.9 points and 1 rebound. While his stats are nothing to write home about, Springer proved that he is a talented defender. Recently, head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Springer for his defensive capabilities. Mazzulla also said Springer “makes everyone better around him defensively.”
“He’s gotten a couple of turnovers, some deflections, and just his on-ball defense,” Mazzulla said. “I think certain guys bring certain things to the table, and then when he’s out there, he makes everyone better around him defensively just because of his physicality.”
There was a lot to like about Springer in Boston, but he was in a tough spot. Despite his talent and potential, he never stood a fair chance to crack Boston’s rotation. He was playing behind Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard. Unfortunately for Springer, especially because of his limited offensive game, there was not much of a role for him with the Celtics. Additionally, with how much money the Celtics saved by moving him, a trade seemed inevitable.
What Jaden Springer Brings to Houston
Springer is a good player who should play well with the Rockets. He is a tremendous defender and is still young. The Rockets currently rank as the fourth-best defensive team in the NBA. Adding Springer to the mix should only make them even better in this area. Furthermore, Springer provides depth in Houston. He will not be a starter for the team, but he should be able to earn a bigger opportunity than he did in Boston.
This is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Rockets. It helps the team out now, but because of his contract situation, Springer can also become a long-term contributor in Houston as they inch closer to legitimate title contention.
Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
