Celtics trade Jabari Bird to the Hawks, open up roster spot
President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge and the Celtics were very quiet at the NBA trade deadline only making a minor deal to open up roster flexibility:
Celtics have traded Jabari Bird and cash to the Hawks, per sources.— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) February 7, 2019
The 24-year-old Bird, who hasn't played all season, is facing criminal charges for domestic assault and threatening his girlfriend.
By moving Bird to the Hawks, the Celtics open up a roster spot for possible buyout candidates. New York Knicks center Enes Kanter has been a name floated around as a possible roster addition:
Opposing executives believe the Boston Celtics will be among the teams with interest in Enes Kanter if/when the Knicks big man parts ways with NYK.— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 7, 2019
Kanter has since been waived by the Knicks:
The Knicks are releasing Enes Kanter, league source tells ESPN.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
After acquiring Bird, the Hawks are expected to waive the guard:
The Hawks are waiving former Celtics draft pick Jabari Bird, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2019
Follow Rob Welch on Twitter @CelticWelch
Photo Credit: Brian Babineau/Getty Images