The free agency craze in the NBA is over with a few exceptions. While there are several restricted free agents like Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, Cam Thomas, and Quentin Grimes who are still out there, most teams have built their rosters for next season. This includes the Boston Celtics, who saw a mass exodus from the team due to financial constraints. This leaves mostly players who will sign two-way deals, explore overseas opportunities, or head to the G League to try to get back to the NBA at a later date.
One former Celtic, however, just got one last opportunity to establish his NBA career. Jaden Springer, who spent a year between February 2024 and February 2025 in Boston, just landed with the New Orleans Pelicans, per the official team announcement.
Jaden Springer Signs With 4th Team in 4 Years
Springer is entering his fifth season in the NBA, and the Pelicans will be his fourth team. The former first-round pick by the Philadelphia 76ers, the 6'4" combo guard hasn't seen much playing time over the years. Following 2.5 seasons in Philadelphia, Springer was traded to the Celtics for a second-round pick at the 2024 trade deadline. He wasn't able to crack the crowded Celtics rotation, but was fortunate enough to win a championship ring.
The former G League Finals MVP's time in Boston didn't last very long as he was traded to the Rockets at the 2025 deadline. Following his release by Houston, Springer signed with the Jazz for the final stretch of the season, averaging 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 13.2 minutes per game in 17 appearances.
While showing intriguing defensive flashes in his limited playing time, Springer's Achilles' heel has been his shooting. He has made 23.8% of his threes in the NBA so far, making him a tough fit as a perimeter player. That will continue to be the swing skill for the 22-year-old if he is to stick in the NBA.
Fortunately for Springer, he may have an easier path to playing time in the New Orleans backcourt that consists of rookie Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, Jose Alvarado, and Jordan Hawkins. That is not necessarily the most elite rotation as All-Star guard Dejounte Murray recovers from his injury to start the season. If the former Celtic can't make an impact there, his time in the NBA may come to an end.