According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Utah Jazz just signed Jaden Springer to a 10-day contract. Springer began the season with the Boston Celtics but was traded to the Houston Rockets at the deadline. The Celtics attached a second-round pick to Springer’s contract in order to get his salary off their books.
Springer was making just over $4 million, and since the Celtics have one of the most expensive rosters in NBA history, shedding any salary makes a huge difference. However, Springer was playing pretty well in the weeks leading up to the deadline, giving some Celtics fans pause at the thought of sending him away for nothing.
Now, the Jazz could make the Celtics have some regrets, but that’s okay in the grand scheme of things.
Jaden Springer will finally get opportunities with the Jazz
Springer is a hard-nosed defender who made some noise in Boston’s win over the LA Clippers this year. He nabbed four steals in 12 minutes and made an immediate impact, helping Boston shift the momentum in a game they were on track to lose.
Free agent guard Jaden Springer has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz, his agent Chad Speck told ESPN. Springer played in 26 games for the Celtics this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 19, 2025
He’s not a great offensive player, but his elite defense made up for that to some degree. If he earns enough opportunities in Utah, he could end up being a decent rotation piece for their rebuilding roster, especially at just 22 years old.
The reality of the situation is that the Celtics didn’t have enough rotation minutes for Springer in order for him to fully develop. A situation like Utah is much better suited for him, as he should earn a lot more leash to play there.
Just look at Dalano Banton. He’s played well since the Celtics traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers last season, but Boston didn’t have enough playing time to allow him to develop his skill set. Portland did.
The same thing could happen to Springer, and that’s okay.
If Springer ends up playing well with the Jazz, Celtics fans who were upset to see him go shouldn’t be upset. They should be happy for Springer.
Boston wasn’t going to be the best place for him to play. He wouldn’t be able to make the same mistakes and go through the same growing pains that he’ll likely be able to endure in Utah.
Danny Ainge clearly sees something in Springer, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s an amazing defender, and if his offense comes around, he could be a very useful piece. But the Celtics weren’t going to give him the minutes to figure that out.