The Celtics made their first trade of 2025 official on Thursday, announcing the move that sent guard Jaden Springer to the Houston Rockets.
Boston also confirmed the terms of the deal, which was first reported one day before the NBA’s trade deadline. The Rockets received Springer, a 2030 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2027 second-round pick, with the Celtics acquiring a conditional 2031 second-rounder in return.
The team did not reveal the specifics of those conditions, but multiple reports indicated the 2027 and 2021 picks are “heavily protected.”
Trading the 22-year-old Springer was a cost-cutting move for the Celtics, who are subject to stiff luxury tax penalties and roster management restrictions as a second-apron team. Springer’s $4 million contract was costing Boston roughly $13 million in additional tax charges — a high bill to pay for a deep reserve ranked 13th among Celtics players in minutes played this season.
Springer did make positive strides in the weeks before the trade, showcasing shutdown defensive potential and improved 3-point shooting, but played sparingly when the Celtics had all of their core rotation players available.
Acquired from Philadelphia last February, Springer was part of the Celtics’ 2023-24 championship team, seeing garbage-time action in four of Boston’s playoff games. The Celtics posted a brief farewell message to the young guard on social media, writing: “Thank you, Champ.”
The trade gave the Celtics two open spots on their 15-man roster. They must add at least one player within the next two weeks to meet the NBA-mandated minimum of 14 rostered players on standard contracts.
The NBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Originally Published: