The NBA's punitive collective bargaining agreement, coupled with Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear, is forcing the Boston Celtics to reset. Eastern Conference Finals appearances had become an annual trip. It led to playing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2022 and hoisting it in 2024. Now, gaining flexibility is the priority.
That has led to Kristaps Porzingis getting traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Luke Kornet signed with the San Antonio Spurs. And Al Horford could soon depart.
As the Celtics reset at the center position, they are signing Luka Garza. The former Minnesota Timberwolf is joining Boston on a two-year, $5.5 million deal.
The four-year veteran spent the last three seasons in the Twin Cities. As he prepares for his next chapter, he recently bid farewell on Instagram.
"MINNESOTA!!! Thank you for everything these last 3 years. I've loved every second of putting that Timberwolves jersey on. So many memories, moments, and wins I will cherish forever. Thank you to the fans, all my teammates, and the organization for allowing me to live my dream in Minny!"
Garza ended his message by saying hello to his new fan base.
"Boston, it's time to work!" he wrote.
What the Celtics are getting in Luka Garza
In his Timberwolves tenure, Garza averaged 4.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 6.3 minutes of floor time across 92 games.
Last season, the 26-year-old from Washington, D.C. produced 3.5 points in 5.6 minutes in 39 contests.
However, the former Iowa Hawkeye was among the most dominant collegiate men's basketball players in his four years in the NCAA. He earned AP Player of the Year and the John Wooden Award. The latter goes to the nation's most outstanding player.
The six-foot-10 center hasn't received many opportunities in the NBA. However, he has impressed in his time in the G League. In six games with the Iowa Wolves in 2022-23, he generated 32.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per tilt. Garza also knocked down 42.9 percent of the 4.7 threes he hoisted.
Although it's a small sample size, it showcased his dynamic offensive skill set. Garza figures to get more minutes in Boston next season than he did in Minnesota.
If that opportunity for growth turns into him proving himself as a reliable floor spacer with some facilitating chops, he could demonstrate why he's worth keeping long-term.
Garza's also reliable around the rim. It's a trait that will come in handy if he's effective at producing second-chance opportunities. It's a win on the margins that will matter more than ever for the Celtics. It's also a way for him to potentially separate himself from some of his new competition for playing time as he acclimates to his new NBA home.