As the New York Knicks finalized their roster for opening night of the 2025-26 campaign, Romeo Langford became one of their roster casualties. That decision comes as no surprise. However, the news isn't all bad for the former Boston Celtics' first-round draft pick.
The expectation is for Langford to join their G League affiliate in Westchester. If he spends at least 60 days there, he can earn up to $85,300.
The six-foot-five wing most recently played for BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque briefly in France. Before that, he reunited with Danny Ainge, spending the 2023-24 season with the Utah Jazz's G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars.
Langford's most recent NBA stop was with the San Antonio Spurs. In 47 games across two seasons he averaged 6.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 18.9 minutes of floor time.
The former Indiana Hoosier standout took his talents to "The Alamo City" via the deal that brought Derrick White to Boston at the 2022 trade deadline.
That move helped propel the Celtics to the NBA Finals that year and to banner 18 in 2024. It also benefitted Langford, who received more playing time with the Spurs than the inconsistent minutes he had with the Celtics.
Now, Langford, who turns 26 this week, will have the chance to remain stateside and continue growing within the Knicks' infrastructure, provided he chooses to remain with the organization.
Jaden Springer lands on his feet
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Jaden Springer will make the New Orleans Pelicans' opening night roster. The six-foot-four defensive bulldog was a member of the Celtics' title team in 2024.
What fans might remember most from his time in Boston is when he played the role of the hero in an overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers. He came off the bench to generate eight points and four steals. His contributions include a clutch corner three that helped the visitors pull out the victory at the Intuit Dome.
Due to the Celtics' cap crunch, trading Springer was essentially a move they had to make. Parting with him at last year's trade deadline provided significant luxury tax relief.
The Houston Rockets waived him shortly after the deal, sparking questions about his NBA future. Fortunately, the former Tennessee Volunteer landed on his feet, latching on with the Utah Jazz.
Now with the Pelicans, the 23-year-old has capitalized on his opportunity, parlaying his chance in "The Big Easy" into an opening night roster spot.