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Celtics reportedly sign big man Luka Garza to 2-year contract
The Celtics needed frontcourt depth after Luke Kornet signed with the Spurs.
Shortly after the Celtics lost Luke Kornet to the Spurs in free agency, Boston pivoted on the open market by bringing in some frontcourt help.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics have signed free-agent center Luka Garza to a two-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed contract.
The Celtics needed a contingency plan to address their frontcourt depth amid what has been a painful offseason so far.
Beyond Kornet’s exit in free agency and the Celtics dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks in a salary-clearing move earlier this month, Boston also faces the tangible possibility of Al Horford leaving the team in free agency this week.
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Garza, 26, averaged 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in 39 games for the Timberwolves last season.
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The 53rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Garza spent the last three seasons in Minnesota.
The 6-foot-10 center has the ability to contribute offensively thanks to his array of post moves, although his defensive acumen has often left a lot to be desired at the NBA level.
Despite his up-and-down showing against NBA competition over the last few years, Garza was a dominant player in the paint during his collegiate career at Iowa, taking home National College Player of the Year honors in 2021 after averaging 24.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game with the Hawkeyes.
While Garza at least gives Boston some scoring depth up front moving forward, the Celtics still have plenty of work to do this summer when it comes to accounting for other offseason exits — be it an impact starter in Porzingis or potentially a key veteran bench regular in Horford.
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