Celtics make Jonas Jerebko, Amir Johnson deals official
The NBA's free agency moratorium was lifted on Thursday, allowing teams to make the deals reached during the previous eight days official. The Celtics tipped off the signing period by inking 28-year-old power forwards Jonas Jerebko and Amir Johnson to new contracts.
Jerebko, a second-round pick in 2009, averaged 7.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 29 games off the bench after coming to Boston from Detroit at the trade deadline. He emerged as one of the Celtics' most accurate three-point shooters, converting 40.6 percent of his attempts. Although the team didn't disclose the terms of the deal, earlier reports indicated the Swede would sign a two-year, $10 million contract.
Johnson, a 2005 second-rounder out of high school, split the first 10 years of his NBA career between Detroit and Toronto. In 2014-15, he averaged 9.3 points and 6.1 boards as a starter, helping the Raptors to the Atlantic Division title. His deal is reportedly for two years and $24 million.
Welcome to Boston, Amir! And welcome back Jonas! pic.twitter.com/VS6pRa6B1d
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 10, 2015
Also yesterday, former Celtics PF Brandon Bass officially signed his new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even with his departure, Boston's roster is crowded at the four. Jerebko and Johnson join rookie Jordan Mickey and veteran Jared Sullinger, with David Lee set to arrive when the trade with the Warriors goes through.
As we reported on Thursday, Danny Ainge is far from done making deals, or at least trying to. Besides the trade for Lee, the Celtics have reached an agreement to bring back small forward Jae Crowder, but are in no hurry to make that official as they explore further moves.
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Image credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer