Top 5 Free Agent Signings in Boston Celtics History

The Boston Celtics boast one of the richest histories in the industry. The team has had the honor of watching some of the top players in the league play for them.

Despite not always being a major competitor in free agency, the Celtics have made a number of notable signings. While there have been plenty of signings that missed the mark, they definitely got these ones right.

5. Evan Turner

In the 2014 offseason, the Boston Celtics struck a two-year deal worth $3,278,000 with former No. 2 overall selection Evan Turner. The Ohio State product spent four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2014. Before the trade, Turner was playing some of the best basketball of his career for Philly, averaging 17.4 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists. However, the Sixers elected to move on due to the team’s lack of success with their former lottery selection.

Shortly after Turner’s quick stint in Indiana, the versatile forward found himself on another rebuilding team in Boston, where he hoped to turn his career around. Playing under a young, bright mind like Brad Stevens may have been the best decision Evan Turner ever made for his career.
In his first season with the Celtics, Turner found his place on the team as the primary playmaker, averaging a career-high 5.5 assists per game.

The team strung together enough wins to make the playoffs before being swept by the Cavaliers in the first round. The following season, the C’s made the playoffs once again, this time winning a couple of games before ultimately being knocked out by the Atlanta Hawks.

In his time with the Celtics, Turner averaged 10 points, five rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. These numbers allowed the six-foot-six wing to land a hefty pay raise with the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency that offseason. Turner cashed in with a four-year, $70 million deal to leave Boston.