Three Jaden Springer Trade Ideas

Three potential trade options for Jaden Springer.

Jaden Springer’s future with the Boston Celtics has been a topic of discussion for the past month or so. Since joining the team at last year's trade deadline, Springer has struggled to earn playing time and has failed to impress consistently when given the chance.

With the Celtics deep into the luxury tax, Springer is viewed as a potential trade chip for Boston heading into the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Brad Stevens could either look to swap Springer for someone else, or attach draft picks to him to get off his $4 million salary.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, by sending out Springer without anyone heading back to Boston, the Celtics would save around $16 million in tax penalties.

“The Celtics are $25.7 million over the luxury tax and have a projected tax bill of $65.6 million,” Marks explained. “Boston is $18.4 million over the first and $7.6 million over the second apron. They cannot use more than the 100% traded player exception or aggregate contracts. The Celtics are also not allowed to sign a player who was waived and had a preexisting salary of $12.8 million or more. Boston is not allowed to send out cash in any trade.”

The Celtics already have an open roster spot. Moving on from Springer would leave them with 13 guys on the main roster. As such, there’s a good chance Brad Stevens looks to get something — or someone — back as part of a Springer trade.

So, I’ve come up with three potential trades that could see a fresh face heading to Boston in the coming months. Before diving in, I want to give a shoutout to YouTube user TheRobVersion1, who inspired this piece during a discussion in the comments section of today’s podcast episode.

Before we jump into this, I want to premise these trades a little.

• I have the Celtics slightly overpaying for the incoming talent. I’ve done this to

• A: Be fair to the other team.

• B: Be realistic about the trade market.

• And C: Show that I’m not usually the guy that shares too many trade ideas.

Trade 1: Celtics Land Cam Whitmore

The trade

Celtics receive: Cam Whitmore

Rockets receive: Jaden Springer, 2028 BOS first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick via Dallas, 2026 second-round pick via Portland.

Why this trade?

Whitemore was the 20th pick in last year’s draft. He flashed legitimate upside during his 47 games for the Houston Rockets, especially as an offensive-minded forward with three-level scoring potential. He averaged 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game with 45.4% and 35.9% scoring splits.

However, Whitmore has spent more time in the G-League than as part of Ime Udoka’s rotation to begin the season. Part of that has been the return of Tari Eason to the rotation, and the other part has been Ime Udoka’s desire to continue building a defensive identity with his team.

Why Houston could be interested

That’s where Springer comes in. Udoka would undoubtedly value his isolation defense, his dog-like mentality and his upside as a complimentary piece next to a lead ball-handler. He would fit what Udoka is trying to build, and would accentuate the offensive talent around him — all while being a cheap addition on an expiring deal. If Springer clicks, Houston could keep him around, if not, then they let him walk in the summer.

The risk of Springer heading into free agency is partially why I think it would take three draft picks to entice the Rockets to part with Whitmore. As the Rocket continues to improve, second-round selections will become increasingly important — both in trade negotiations and in acquiring cost-controlled talent. A future first-round pick gives them something tangible for parting with Whitmore.

Why Boston could be interested

In terms of Whitemore’s fit in Boston, I envision him jumping ahead of Jordan Walsh and Drew Peterson in the rotation. That would make him the primary backup behind Sam Hauser, who has been dealing with some injury issues to begin the season and enters today as questionable for Boston’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

Whitemore would be another scoring boost off the bench. He also has the size and skill set to become a net positive defender and could thrive in Boston’s developmental system and culture. He’s also a product of the Villanova Wildcats, so we know he has that dawg in him. I mean, we’ve heard enough about the ‘Nova Knicks’ in recent months to be confident Whitmore would bring at least a little bite to the defensive end.

I was a big fan of Whitemore last season, and I think he could make some big strides with the Celtics in the coming years. Oh yeah, he’s also on a cost-controlled rookie-scale deal until 2027, so there’s also that.

Trade 2: Celtics Land Jabari Walker

The trade