Today in Boston Celtics History: Irving Trade, Key Signings, and Memorable Milestones
On this day in Celtics lore, one of the franchise’s most talked-about trades unfolded. In 2017, the Boston Celtics sent guard Isaiah Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers along with Jae Crowder, Ante Žižić, and future draft picks, securing All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving in return. The deal, complicated by Thomas’ hip injury which led to a failed physical and subsequent adjustments to the trade package, was seen at the time as a bold move to bring championship pedigree to Boston.
“Kyrie is one of the best scorers in the NBA,” said then-Celtics President Danny Ainge. “He’s proven that on the biggest stage, the NBA Finals, over the last three years. He’s been an NBA champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and a four-time All-Star. For all he’s accomplished, we think his best years are ahead of him.” Though Irving’s time in Boston would be marked by highs and lows, the trade initially generated significant excitement for the Celtics faithful.
Other Noteworthy Moves on This Date
Jeff Green’s Return (2012)
The Celtics secured forward Jeff Green with a four-year, $36 million contract. Selected fifth overall by Boston in the 2007 draft, Green had spent time with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder before returning in a 2011 trade. Known for his versatile offense and perimeter defense, Green averaged 14.6 points and 4.2 rebounds over four seasons with Boston, providing valuable contributions before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Acquiring Hank Finkel (1969)
Back in 1969, the Celtics traded for center Hank Finkel from the San Diego Rockets (now Houston). Finkel played six seasons as a reliable reserve, contributing to Boston’s 1974 championship run. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds during his Celtics tenure.
Darius Miles Signs (2008)
In 2008, the Celtics signed small forward Darius Miles as an unrestricted free agent. Unfortunately, Miles never appeared in a regular-season game for Boston, being waived the following October.
Tyus Edney Joins the Celtics (1997)
Unlike Miles, point guard Tyus Edney signed with the Celtics in 1997 and played 52 games during the 1997-98 season. The UCLA standout averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 assists, and a steal per game, offering steady backcourt depth.
Remembering Celtics Legends
Birthdays
Today marks the birthday of Harold Kottman, born in 1922 in Forest Green, Missouri. A graduate of Culver-Stockton College, Kottman played 53 games for the Celtics during their inaugural 1946-47 season, averaging 3.1 points per game in an era before rebounds were officially tracked.
In Memoriam
The Celtics also honor the memory of Lou Tsioropoulos, who passed away in 2015. A native of Lynn, Massachusetts, Tsioropoulos played for Kentucky in college before being drafted by Boston in 1953. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he joined the Celtics and was part of two championship teams in 1957 and 1959.
From impactful trades to key signings and moments of remembrance, this date holds a rich tapestry of Celtics history that reflects the franchise’s enduring legacy on and off the court.
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