**IOWA CITY, Iowa--** Former Iowa legend Luka Garza didn't last long on the free agent market. After the Minnesota Timberwolves opted not to pick up Garza's option for the upcoming season, Boston wasted no time. On Monday night, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Celtics have signed Garza to a two-year fully guaranteed contract. He'll get 5.5 million over the next two seasons.
Garza was a fan favorite in Minnesota throughout the past couple of seasons. He was a spark of instant offense, a great locker room presence and a guy that was beloved by his teammates. The Celtics recently let Luke Kornet go and with all of the shuffling around the NBA, it will not be a surprise to see Garza get an increased role with his new team.
Throughout his college and professional career, Garza has transformed his body and his game multiple times. He's a very capable shooter from outside and is among the most efficient offensive players when on the floor. He has also shown an increased awareness to passing when it trouble, but also has a variety of ways he can put the ball in the bucket.
He finished his Hawkeye career with 2,306 points, which ranks seventh-best in Big Ten history. In addition to ranking first in career scoring, Garza is tops at Iowa in 30-point games (13), conference scoring (1,399), field goals made (870), field goal attempts (1,594), and 40-point games (2); second in rebounds (931); fourth in double-doubles (34); fifth in blocked shots (154); sixth in free throw makes (446) and attempts (636); and 16th in 3-pointers made (120).
"I've loved every single moment of being an Iowa Hawkeye. I sincerely hope I've given half as much back to the University as it's given me," Garza wrote via 247Sports. "Thank you to Hawkeye Nation for supporting me every step of the way, and I truly hope you continue to support me as I do my best to represent the University of Iowa in the NBA. I never thought as I walked into the airport to head to campus for the first time that I would be in the position that I am now. I know for sure that if that plane was headed for anywhere besides the University of Iowa, I would not be where I am today."
The Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum next season after he suffered a torn right achilles in the playoffs. Boston will be looking for other contributors to help fill that void. Garza has played in a few different systems and there's no doubt his work-ethic and skill will give him a chance to breakthrough in Boston.
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