The Celtics are undergoing a slight roster reshuffle to begin 2023. On Thursday, the Celtics traded forward/center Noah Vonleh to the San Antonio Spurs in return for a future top-55 protected second round pick.
The Boston Celtics are trading C/F Noah Vonleh and cash consideration to the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Spurs will waive Gorgui Dieng to create roster space, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 5, 2023
Vonleh’s contract was set to become fully guaranteed this weekend. By trading Vonleh to San Antonio, the Celtics open up a roster spot and will lower their luxury tax bill. If Boston had kept Vonleh on the roster, the 10-year veteran would’ve cost Wyc Grousbeck and the rest of ownership $7 million in luxury tax money.
Boston will save roughly $7 million in taxes (taxable salary + penalties) by moving Noah Vonleh to San Antonio.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 5, 2023
Celtics were at roughly $65M for a total tax bill pre-trade. Now at roughly $58M for a total tax bill.
Although Vonleh made a push to earn a spot in Boston’s rotation to begin the year, center Robert Williams’ return had further pushed the North Shore native down the depth chart.
The move creates an open roster spot for Boston to add a player ahead of February 9′s trade deadline or to target a player that is bought out.
The Spurs, who are significantly under the salary cap, plan to waive Vonleh, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Spurs are waiving Vonleh too, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 5, 2023
Boston and San Antonio’s agreement is the first trade since the start of the NBA regular season.
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