Celtics reportedly acquire Josh Richardson in trade with Dallas Mavericks

It turns out, Brad Stevens wasn’t done for the weekend after acquiring point guard Kris Dunn from the Atlanta Hawks in a late-Friday afternoon trade. As first reported by

The Dallas Mavericks are finalizing trading G/F Josh Richardson to the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Richardson is exercising his $11.6 million player option for the 2021-22 season for the deal.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2021">Shams Charania of The Athletic Friday night, the Celtics are picking up wing Josh Richardson in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

Richardson played 59 games for the Mavericks last year, starting 56. Playing just over 30 minutes a night, the 27-year-old averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep.

Originally a second-round pick by the Heat in 2015, Richardson played four years in Miami, with a single season stop in Philadelphia before being traded for Seth Curry in November.

The Celtics used the money remaining from the Gordon Hayward trade exception to make room for Richardson, who exercised his $11.6 million player option for the 2021-2022 season. Richardson will be an unrestricted free agent after next year.

According to

Per a league source, this is essentially a salary dump for Dallas. They wanted to open up the cap room. Celtics get a useful wing coming off a down year.

— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) July 31, 2021">Brian Robb of MassLive and 98.5 The Sports Hub, the deal is “essentially a salary dump for Dallas,” who created their own $10.9 million trade exception with the move. The Celtics are not expected to send anything back to the Mavericks in return.

• Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Clippers

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  LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 27: Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks lays up while Luke Kennard #5 of the LA Clippers looks on at Staples Center on December 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty aImages License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

• Dallas Mavericks v Portland Trail Blazers

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  PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots against Derrick Jones Jr. #55 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Moda Center on March 19, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

• Dallas Mavericks v New Orleans Pelicans

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  NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 27: Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks drives against Nickeil Alexander-Walker #6 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
• Dallas Mavericks v Memphis Grizzlies

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  MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MAY 11: Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Josh Richardson #0 of the Dallas Mavericks fight for the rebound during the second half at FedExForum on May 11, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].