The Boston Celtics have two players under standard rookie contracts: Jordan Walsh and Jaden Springer. Springer is in the third year of his contract, which ends in 2025. Despite the option to extend Springer's contract, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes they will not do so.
In a March 30 story, Pincus explained his reasoning for believing that the Celtics will not extend Springer's contract.
“Jaden Springer has yet to establish a role with the Boston Celtics following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers,” Pincus wrote. “Unless Boston is very optimistic about his potential, he does not appear to be a likely candidate for a contract extension.”
The Celtics have more immediate concerns about their future than extending Springer's contract. However, even if they choose not to extend it, it does not mean that Springer has no future with the team.
Boston could still offer Springer the qualifying deal, making him a restricted free agent in 2025, which would give them an advantage in retaining him long-term.
Since joining the Celtics, Springer has appeared in 13 matches. He has typically only played when the game is nearly over or when the Celtics were short-handed.
Jayson Tatum Commended Jaden Springer After Hawks Defeat
The Celtics played against the Atlanta Hawks on March 25. In that defeat, Springer featured for eight minutes, all in the fourth quarter. He only managed to score two points, but he demonstrated his defensive determination and intelligence.
Following the Celtics' loss, Tatum praised Springer for his impressive performance in the limited time he had on the court.
“He made an impact by putting pressure on the opposition defensively, defending aggressively, and persisting despite challenges,” Tatum stated, according to Noa Dalzell’s X account. “Players in that Stay Ready group perform admirably whenever they get a chance.”
Jayson Tatum on Jaden Springer:
“Just making an impact, picking up 94 feet, getting into guys on the defensive ends, making it tough, fighting through screens. Guys in that Stay Ready group, they do a hell of a job whenever their number is called and they get an opportunity.” https://t.co/SAJStTy6kA pic.twitter.com/mpgDiUs60J
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) March 26, 2024
At 21 years old, Springer is unlikely to play a significant role in the Celtics’ plans for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Nevertheless, considering he still has one more year on his contract, and if the Celtics do not extend it, they will have considerable control over his restricted free agency, indicating that Springer could be their next project for development.
The Celtics' options to enhance their current position through free agency or trade are limited due to them surpassing the NBA’s second tax apron. Therefore, developing Springer could assist them in overcoming this limitation.
Jaden Springer Questioned for Hornets Match
The Celtics will go up against the Charlotte Hornets on April 1. The Celtics’ official X account reported that Springer is uncertain for the game due to left knee tendinopathy.
The Celtics have already secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They need just three more victories to secure the best record in the NBA and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, as stated by Sean Grande’s X account.
Once they achieve this, they can rest their regular rotation players for the remainder of the regular season. This could provide an opportunity for Springer to play and for the Celtics to assess his potential.
