Celtics History: Bradley Signing, Nader Deal, and Birthdays

Key Transactions and Moves

In 2014 the Celtics locked up guard Avery Bradley with a four‑year, $32 million contract that was fully guaranteed and contained no player or team options. The deal anchored Boston’s defensive front‑court as Bradley had emerged as a reliable wing defender after being selected 19th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Texas. He stayed with the franchise through the final season of that contract before a mid‑season shift changed the roster makeup.

When that final season began, Boston sent Bradley and a pair of draft assets to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Marcus Morris Sr. The move was driven by the need to accommodate a new scoring option arriving from the Utah Jazz. The acquisition of Gordon Hayward, an All‑Star forward, reshaped the Celtics’ offensive identity and forced the trade.

Hayward signed with Boston in the summer of 2017 and quickly became a focal point of the offense. While with the Celtics he posted averages of 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. His presence also opened up opportunities for other players, prompting the front office to restructure the lineup.

New Faces and Departures

Also on this day in 2017 the Celtics introduced Abdel Nader on a four‑year, $6 million deal. Nader, who had been drafted 58th overall by Boston in 2016, spent a single season with the team before being dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Thunder he averaged 3 points and 1.5 rebounds in his brief stint.

Phil Pressey, an undrafted guard from Missouri, was waived by the Celtics on this date in 2015 after two seasons. He signed his first contract as a free agent in 2013 and posted averages of 3.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. The Dallas native’s playmaking skills earned him a role in Boston’s backcourt before the front office decided to trim the roster.

Demetrius Jackson, drafted 45th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, also saw his path with Boston cut short when he was waived in 2017. He appeared in just five games for the franchise, managing an average of two points per contest. The Notre Dame product never regained a foothold in the league after his brief stint with the Celtics.

Birthday Legends

Bill Dinwiddie, who later competed as Rashid Shabazz, celebrated his birth in 1943. The New Mexico Highlands alum spent one season with Boston, contributing 4.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His arrival was part of a quirky trade involving the rights to Bob Cousy, who had chosen the Cincinnati Royals as a publicity stunt.

Lorenzo Williams, a native of Ocala, Florida, was born in 1969 and later joined the Celtics on a rest‑of‑season deal after a series of 10‑day contracts. He logged 22 games for the team, averaging 1.5 points and two rebounds per contest. Williams’ brief tenure highlighted Boston’s willingness to give overlooked talent a shot at the NBA level.

Luke Kornet shares the birthday with Dinwiddie and Williams. Born in 1995 to former NBA player Frank Kornet and broadcaster Tracy Kornet, Kornet has become a reliable front‑court presence during his second stint with the Celtics. Over five seasons he has appeared in 30 games, posting averages of 4.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. His play has added depth to Boston’s interior rotation.