Jaden Springer trade: What C's fans should know about deadline addition
Jaden Springer trade: What C's fans should know about deadline addition originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics made another notable addition just before Thursday's NBA trade deadline.
Jaden Springer was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a second-round draft pick. The deal marked one of three moves made by C's president of basketball operations Brad Stevens ahead of the 3 p.m. ET deadline. He also acquired big man Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies and shipped guard Dalano Banton to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Springer gives the Celtics much-needed wing depth and another strong defender off the bench. Although his shooting has been lackluster thus far in his NBA career, there's plenty of room for improvement on the offensive end at his young age.
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More on the newest Celtic below...
Age
21
Position
Guard
Height/Weight
6-foot-4, 204 pounds
2023-24 Stats
Springer is averaging 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. He's shooting 39 percent from the field, 81 percent from the free throw line and 21.6 percent from 3-point range. Springer averaged 11.8 minutes in 32 games played (1 start) for the 76ers this season.
Contract
Springer is under contract through the 2024-25 season. He makes roughly $2.25 million this season and his salary will bump up to $4 million next year.
How will he help the Celtics?
Like big man Xavier Tillman, who was acquired on Wednesday, Springer was brought to Boston to defend. He won't offer much offensively, at least right away. His shooting percentages through two-plus NBA seasons leave plenty to be desired.
That said, Springer already has shown glimpses of All-Defensive potential at 21 years old. The Tennessee product recently played lockdown D on superstars Luka Doncic and Stephen Curry.
Notable players to match up against Jaden Springer for at least 15 partial possessions this season:
Mikal Bridges 0-1 with 1 turnover
Trae Young 4-12 with 3 turnovers
Luka Dončić 1-5 with 1 turnover
Elite ball denial and tenacity in isolation. Draws Steph Curry tonight. pic.twitter.com/1cOTnq5zzz— Ahaan Rungta (@AhaanRungta) February 7, 2024
jaden springer did this to luka 2 days ago and then did it again with curry last night. dear lord. pic.twitter.com/YoYt01AusF
— owen (@joemazzulla) February 8, 2024
Springer also has put together quite the block highlight tape despite his limited minutes. One of his most noteworthy blocks this season came against new C's teammate Jayson Tatum.
Jaden Springer block mix: pic.twitter.com/WZ5bc641OQ
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 8, 2024
New Celtic Jaden Springer had this really impressive block on Jayson Tatum earlier this season. Super athletic and high-level defender. pic.twitter.com/Pxn8jbzIrw
— Steve Hewitt (@steve_hewitt) February 8, 2024
The Celtics don't need Springer to be a difference-maker offensively. They already have plenty of firepower on that side of the ball with Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White doing most of the heavy lifting. Springer's job is to shore things up on the defensive end and provide an energy boost off the bench. He'll serve as much-needed wing depth while continuing his development into an elite defender.
What they're saying...
Here's some social media reaction to Springer coming to Boston.
Limited minutes but Jaden Springer ranks in the 99th percentile among wings in block% (1.9) and steal% (2.7) per Cleaning the Glass.
Brad and Co. love stocks.— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 8, 2024
Jaden Springer is going to bring a lot of defensive energy with active hands if he gets called upon by Joe Mazzulla. He doesn't shoot or have feel on the ball enough to get out there, but he's someone they can throw at an opposing star to eat up some minutes.
Trading Banton…— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) February 8, 2024
Jaden Springer, much like Xavier Tillman, can really defend. https://t.co/jcgs8RKJJS
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 8, 2024
Boston addressed its needs: Depth. Xavier Tillman fits right into the frontcourt rotation and is another body to throw at Giannis. Jaden Springer is a wing defender. Neither will help offensively (Springer shooting 21.6% from three) but firepower is not a Celtics problem.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 8, 2024
THE SIXERS TRADED JADEN SPRINGER TO THE CELTICS????????
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 8, 2024