Feb 27, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) shoots the ball while Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski/USA TODAY Sports)
The biggest move confirmed by the Celtics this weekend was the trade for ex-Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon.
First reported on July 1st, there were no added surprises in the confirmation from the Celtics, as the Celtics have indeed sent center Daniel Theis, guards Aaron Nesmith and Nik Stauskas, forwards Malik Fitts and Juwan Morgan, and a 2023 first-round draft choice to Indiana in exchange for the 29-year-old Brogdon.
“We would like to welcome Malcolm and his family to the Celtics,” Stevens said in a statement confirming the trade. “We are very excited about what Malcolm brings both on and off the court. His resume speaks for itself. He is the kind of playmaker, shooter, and impact defender that we need in our continued pursuit of Banner 18.”
A 6-foot-5 guard, Brogdon is coming off a 2021-22 campaign that included 19.1 points and 5.9 assists per game, while averaging 33:30 in an injury-interrupted 36-game campaign for the Pacers. With the Pacers for the last three seasons (Brogdon was sent to Indiana from the Milwaukee Bucks in a sign-and-trade), Brogdon is also just a year removed from what was a career year in 2020-21, with a career-best 21.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per night.
The NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2016-17, Brogdon has averaged 15.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, along with a 46.4 field goal percentage (37.6 percent from three-point range), in 333 NBA games between the Bucks and Pacers.
The Celtics say that Brogdon will wear No. 13.
Jul 9, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) dribbles ahead of Miami Heat guard Jamaree Bouyea (52) during an NBA Summer League game at Cox Pavilion. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports)
With five players out the door on the Brogdon trade, the Celtics focused on familiar depth and kept some around with the confirmation that Sam Hauser has been signed to a new deal.
“We are very excited that Sam chose to continue his journey with us,” Stevens said. “He has a chance to make a real impact with his size, feel, and shooting – both stationary and on the move. He’s hard-working, unselfish, and competitive. A great combination for a young player.”
Originally signed as a two-way player, the Celtics converted Hauser’s contract to a standard one in the middle of the season, while the ex-Virginia shooter finished his season with 2.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per night in 6.1 minutes per game over a 26-game run. It wasn’t a huge sample size, obviously, but there the conversion rates were certainly noteworthy, as Hauser shot 46.0 percent from the field (and 43.2 percent from three-point range) at the NBA level.
Hauser’s deal is believed to be for three years and $6 million in total.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Luke Kornet #40 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets during Game One of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on May 22, 2021 at Barclays Center. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Another depth piece confirmed to be sticking around is center Luke Kornet.
“We are thrilled that Luke chose to come back,” said Stevens. “Luke is a skilled big who can play off the roll or pop, and is a good rim protector on defense. On top of that, he’s always added value as the consummate pro who puts team above self.”
With the Cavs and Bucks before landing back in the organization in Jan. 2022, the 7-foot-2 Kornet appeared in 12 games for the C’s this past season, with 26 points, 25 rebounds, and a 57.1 field goal percentage in 85 minutes and change of action.
Kornet’s new deal with the Celtics is said to be for two years.
Jul 9, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Boston Celtics guard JD Davison (20) dribbles ahead of Miami Heat guard Kyle Allman Jr. (50) during an NBA Summer League game at Cox Pavilion. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports)
The Celtics also took care of their lone 2022 draft pick, with the club announcing the signing of JD Davison to a two-way contract.
Drafted with the No. 53 overall pick, Davison jumps to the NBA ranks after a one-and-done at Alabama that included 8.5 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting, along with 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 33 appearances.
The Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team selection also led the team and ranked seventh in the SEC in assists, having tallied double-digit assists on two occasions.
Davison, along with Hauser, is currently playing for the C’s Summer League squad in Las Vegas.
