Rising Celtics Guard Addresses Trade Rumors As Deadline Nears

The Boston Celtics roster is firmly cemented and without much flexibility due to salary constraints, they aren’t expected to be major players before next Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

But yet, one member of the Celtics continuously keeps getting brought up in trade rumors.

NBA pundits believe the Celtics could part ways with Jaden Springer, but the rising guard who has come out of nowhere to make an impact over the last week hopes he stays with Boston.

“Of course. I love this team, man,” Springer told the Boston Herald’s Zack Cox on Wednesday. “I got a championship with these guys. Great group of guys. But whatever happens, happens, and I’m grateful for whatever comes.”

Springer knows what it’s like to be on the move at the trade deadline after the Celtics acquired him from the Philadelphia 76ers a season ago.

The 2021 first-round pick hardly played on a deep Celtics team en route to an NBA title last season. That was the case again to start this season, with Springer only getting mop-up duty until he made a game-changing impact in an overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers last week.

Springer played 20 minutes in that contest and changed the tenor of the game with his defensive play as he logged eight points, four steals and two rebounds in by far his most meaningful minutes with the Celtics. The next night Springer scored 10 points against the Los Angeles Lakers and knocked down both 3-pointers he took — a great sign for Springer’s development as he’s a career 25% shooter from beyond the arc.

But the playing time that has come Springer’s way as of late could just be a way for the Celtics to showcase him and improve his trade stock. Trade rumors surrounding Springer circulated before the season started and have just kept coming.

He’s an intriguing prospect at 22 years old with terrific athleticism and stellar defensive ability while his offensive game remains a work in progress. Springer is also on a friendly contract that many teams could take on. He’s making $4 million this season before entering restricted free agency.

That price tag might be high for the Celtics, especially since Springer is someone who frequently racks up DNPs — aside from this recent stretch. And offloading Springer would help the Celtics save against the luxury tax.

Springer will learn his fate soon enough, but he’s doing his best to pay no attention to all the outside noise.

“I’m not in the media too much, so I just stay where my feet are at,” Springer told Cox. “I’m working out every day with my guys, and I enjoy my time here. I like being here, so I’m happy. Whatever happens, I guess it’s meant to be, but right now, I’m with my guys. We’re competing, playing good, having fun, so that’s all I’m worried about.”