Former Celtics player should be Cavs’ free agency target..
Should the Cavs take a stab at this former Celtics player to complete their wing..
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the hottest team in basketball and have suddenly turned a major flaw into an even greater strength. At the annual NBA trade deadline, the Cavs made waves, acquiring forward De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. Soon after, Cleveland signed veteran forward Javonte Green, further bolstering their rotation.
However, once the 10-day contract of Nae’Qwan Smith expires, the Cavs shouldn’t stop hunting for perimeter support. Instead, if former Boston Celtics swingman and current Utah Jazz 10-day signee Jaden Springer becomes available, Cleveland should swoop in and sign the former first-round pick.
Springer is a sturdy guard at 6-foot-4, 204 pounds, and hangs his hat on the defensive end of the court. Even though he has four years of NBA experience, Springer is still incredibly raw on offense, highlighting his youth and professional inexperience.
It’s why he spent the majority of his time with the Maine Celtics, the NBA G League affiliate of the Celtics, developing and honing his craft. This lack of offensive consistency is also why Springer has only averaged 7.5 minutes per game in two appearances for the Jazz.
At this point in his career, the 22-year-old Springer needs time to hone his offensive game and develop a reliable three-point shot. It wasn’t something he was getting with the Celtics, who have had mixed results developing talent in the G League. The same can be said for the Jazz, who are in the middle of a full-blown rebuild and can only develop so many players at once. That’s where Cleveland comes into focus and, more importantly, makes the Cavs make most sense for Jaden Springer to join as his next team.
Jaden Springer and the Cavs might be an ideal long-term fit
Boston Celtics guard Jaden Springer (44) drives the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden.
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Compared to other NBA teams, few can compare to Cleveland when it comes to player development. Through the Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League affiliate of the Cavs, numerous development projects have become critical roleplayers.
Dean Wade, a staple in head coach Kenny Atkinson’s lineups, spent the 2019-20 season developing with the Charge. Sharpshooter Sam Merrill, meanwhile, was with the Charge during the 2022-23 NBA season. Once Merrill got the call from the Cavs, like Wade, Merrill became a staple in Atkinson’s offense.
Like Wade and Merrill, Springer could have a similar trajectory developing with the Charge. Alongside other development projects like Emoni Bates and Luke Travers, Springer could get consistent on-court opportunities to develop.
