Jabari Bird, Celtics agree to two-year deal
Boston drafted Bird 56th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Celtics signed shooting guard Jabari Bird to a standard NBA contract, the team announced Thursday.
USA Today’s Sam Amick reports Bird’s deal is for two years and $3 million. The first year of the contract is expected to be fully guaranteed, according to NBA reporter Keith Smith. Bird will become a restricted free agent in 2020.
The Celtics drafted Bird with 56th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. He was a two-way player last season, meaning he split time between the Celtics and their G-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. As a two-way player, Bird could only spend 45 days in the NBA. He was also ineligible to participate in the playoffs.
Bird averaged 19.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 20 games with the Red Claws his rookie season. He was sidelined for nearly two months due to a back injury, but was able to return to the court in late March. Bird then played in nine of the Celtics’ last 13 regular-season games, showing off his athleticism and pick-and-roll play.
The 24-year-old also played in four summer league games this July, averaging a team-high 16.8 points per game. He shot a team-best 57 percent from the field.
With Bird’s contract, the Celtics have filled their 15-man roster. The team still has an open two-way spot after signing guard Walt Lemon Jr. to a two-way contract Wednesday. Boston is also expected to sign three or four players to training camp deals, so it’s possible they could then sign one of those prospects to a two-way deal.
