The Boston Celtics were one of the busiest teams before the NBA’s trade deadline on Thursday, making a trio of deals. Those moves opened up five roster spots, putting the Celtics two players below the league minimum for a roster heading into Friday.
In order to reach the league requirements for Friday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets, the Celtics signed a pair of players on Friday afternoon in forward Sam Hauser and center Luke Kornet. Both players are signed through the end of the season, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Both Hauser and Kornet were technically already under contract with the Celtics, signed to two-way deals, and had spent most of this season with the Maine Celtics. Hauser, who was signed in August as an undrafted rookie out of Virginia, is Maine’s leading scorer averaging 21.1 points per game in 18 games. He’s also averaging 6.5 rebounds per game. As part of his two-way deal, he’s appeared in 10 games for Boston this year, averaging 4.1 minutes per appearance.
Kornet was originally acquired by the Celtics at last year’s trade deadline, and finished the season with the team before signing with Maine in the offseason. He’s averaging 15.6 points with 5.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 14 G-League games this year. During the NBA’s COVID outbreak in the early winter, Kornet signed two 10-day contracts – one with Cleveland and one with Milwaukee. The 7-foot-2 center has appeared in three total NBA games this year, averaging six minutes per appearance.
With these moves, the Celtics have three remaining open roster spots. They’re anticipated to be active in the buyout market in the coming days.
Recapping the Celtics' trio of moves at the 2022 NBA trade deadline
Danny Ainge had overseen almost two decades worth of trade deadlines as the Celtics’ president of basketball operations. Fans may have been unsure of what to expect as Brad Stevens manned the phones for the first time since being promoted to Ainge’s old job back in June.
What ensued was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent memory in Boston sports. In total, the Celtics traded away seven players and a first-round pick, acquired two players and a second-round pick, and added a future first-round pick swap. Here’s a quick rundown of each of the Celtics’ three deals done throughout the day…
Trade 1
Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens in the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics get:
— Future 2nd-round pick
Magic get:
— F P.J. Dozier
— C Bol Bol
— Future 2nd-round pick
— Cash considerationsThe Celtics’ first move of the day wasn’t a major one, but it did help the team get under the luxury tax. Boston acquired P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol just a few weeks ago in a three team deal that saw them send forward Juancho Hernangomez and cash considerations to San Antonio.
Trade 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on December 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Celtics get:
— G Derrick White
Spurs get:
— G/F Josh Richardson
— G Romeo Langford
— 2022 1st-round pick (1-4 protected)A few hours later, the Celtics made their first player acquisition of the day, adding starting Spurs shooting guard Derrick White. White is expected to fill a similar role in Boston. His defensive prowess will give the Celtics a lockdown backcourt, with White playing next to Marcus Smart. Meanwhile, Richardson was part of the bench unit while Langford was struggling to find minutes in the rotation. This deal also includes a 2028 first-round pick swap, with Boston’s pick top-1 protected.
Trade 3
Dec 15, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (27) rebounds beside guard Josh Christopher (9) and forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics get:
— C Daniel Theis
Rockets get:
— G Dennis Schröder
— F Bruno Fernando
— C Enes FreedomFor the second year in a row, the Celtics made a trade involving Daniel Theis just before the trade deadline hit. This time, the Celtics brought back Theis for a second stint, and moved point guard Dennis Schröder. Leading up to Thursday, reports had indicated Schröder – who is on an expiring contract – would be dealt at the deadline.
WATCH: @FelgerAndMazz react to the Celtics Trading Dennis Schroder for Daniel Theis pic.twitter.com/TO2hH5Pb2L
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