Brad Stevens Praises Recently Traded Celtics Guard
![Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_1616,h_909,x_0,y_152/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/253/01jkgk9z6dpr5c9p4816.jpg)
The 2024-25 NBA trade deadline came and went without the Boston Celtics making much noise. The only transaction general manager Brad Stevens pulled off was a salary dump, trading Jaden Springer and two second-round picks to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2031 second-rounder.
It isn't a secret that Springer's time with the Celtics left much to be desired as he rarely looked like a former first-round pick. But even if his Boston tenure was far from perfect, that didn't stop GM Stevens from praising the recently traded guard.
Celtics News: Brad Stevens Praises Jaden Springer Following Trade
Following the trade deadline, Stevens spoke with The Athletic's Jay King about his decision to send Springer packing. Even though the move was necessary so that the team could sign veteran wing Torrey Craig, the Celtics GM made it clear that he's still a fan of the departed guard.
"I really like Jaden. I think he’s gonna be a good player," Stevens said. "I’m really rooting for him and I’ll help him in any way I can."
Springer, 22, was drafted 28th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021. The former Tennessee Volunteer spent the majority of his early NBA career in the minors, resulting in his becoming a G League Champion and Finals MVP with the Delaware Blue Coats in 2023.
The Charlotte, NC native was eventually traded to Boston ahead of the 2023-24 NBA trade deadline. Although his time with the Celtics only lasted a year, that didn't stop Stevens from doing the right thing and notifying Springer's camp that he was at risk of being moved again.
"(Springer's camp) knew what was coming or they knew it was a possibility at least,” Stevens admitted. "We wanted to try to be in front of that and active and helpful, but you can’t always do that. And that’s just the reality."
Brad Stevens said Jaden Springer had a heads up about the trade:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 7, 2025
“We knew that there were only a couple of different things to potentially look at, and Jaden was clearly that — we gave them a heads up, they knew what was coming, or they knew that it was a possibility at least.” pic.twitter.com/pLxyUXGRK0
Springer had appeared in 26 games with the Celtics before being traded, averaging 1.7 points on .353/.316/.714 shooting splits while playing just over five minutes per night. NBA insider Michael Scotto expects the Rockets to buy the struggling guard out, though, meaning he'll have to find a new destination to turn his career around.
Although some Boston fans will be sad to see Springer go, there's no time to dwell on the situation. Winning back-to-back championships is what the Celtics are focused on, and they have a good shot at achieving that goal given that they're currently FanDuel Sportsbook's +195 favorite to win the 2024-25 NBA Finals.
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