"He’s an unbelievable player, unbelievable defender, so I definitely think there’s a place for him in this league.”

The Boston Celtics are dealing backup guard Jaden Springer to the Houston Rockets. Springer, a 2027 second-round pick and a 2030 second-round pick were traded to the Rockets for a 2031 second-round pick.

In making the trade, the Celtics opened up an additional roster spot, which they have since filled with their Feb. 6 addition of veteran wing Torrey Craig. Boston also created a $4 million traded player exception (TPE); however, as a second apron team, a TPE cannot be taken into a new season, and as such, that exception is unlikely to be utilized.