Monday night's matchup between the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz at TD Garden wasn't just about the Celtics securing their fifth straight win-it also marked the return of former Celtics guard Jaden Springer.
While Sam Hauser stole the show with a career-high 33 points, including a franchise-record seven three-pointers in a quarter, Springer's presence in Boston was another notable storyline. The 22-year-old was traded to the Houston Rockets before last month's deadline but was later waived and signed by the rebuilding Jazz.
While his time with the Celtics was brief, Springer now has an opportunity to carve out a role in Utah. The Jazz showed confidence in him by signing him to a three-year deal after he became a free agent in February, signaling that they see potential in him as they continue their rebuild.
Utah Jazz guard Jaden Springer. Rob Gray-Imagn Images Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Springer, who has been sidelined since March 3 due to a back injury, didn't suit up against his former team but spoke to reporters before the game about his journey over the past month.
"It was a lot, but it was pretty cool and fun. Embrace the journey," Springer said from the visiting locker room. "I'm happy where I'm at, in Utah with a team of great players and great staff. They brought me in, showed me how everything goes, and got me up to speed pretty quick."
Asked Jaden Springer pregame what these last few weeks have been like:
"It was a lot, but it was pretty cool. Embrace the journey. I'm happy where I'm at… bunch of great players, bunch of great staff. They brought me in, showed me how everything goes." pic.twitter.com/Fzlt4jchCi
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) March 10, 2025
When asked about the trade, Springer expressed gratitude toward Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens for his transparency in the process.
"Brad told me before it actually happened," Springer revealed. "He gave me a heads-up like, ‘Hey, something might happen.' So I'm happy he did that. I appreciate Brad for bringing me in, letting me get a championship with those guys, and being part of the team. I got love for them, so it's pretty cool."
Jaden Springer appreciated how the Celtics traded him: "Brad told me while it was in the works."
Q: @RealBobManning
by Prizepicks pic.twitter.com/uJR0E0P2SD
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) March 11, 2025
Springer also spoke about the impact of his time in Boston, emphasizing how being around elite players helped shape his mindset.
"I got to watch Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard every game," he said. "Being around the team and this culture, you adapt to a winning mentality. You learn what it takes to win, and having that knowledge is something you can always use."
The Jazz currently hold the worst record in the Western Conference and are likely focused on the 2025 NBA draft as they look to build for the future. Meanwhile, the Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference and will have their eyes set on defending their title as NBA champions in June.
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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 8:27 AM.