Just before the clock struck 3 p.m. in Boston on Feb. 8, indicating the NBA trade deadline, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens made one more move.
After acquiring big man Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies earlier that afternoon, Stevens sent a heavily-protected second-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Jaden Springer.
Springer was drafted by the 76ers in the 2021 NBA Draft at No. 28. Now, at just 21 years old, the Celtics have the resources and time to develop the young guard.
“He’s an athlete that can play athletically in the playoffs right now,” Stevens said.