Why the Boston Celtics gave Luka Garza a fully guaranteed deal despite just 6.3 minutes per game

The Boston Celtics chose an unusual and bold path as the transition among the frontcourt right after the flurry of departures and signed center Luka Garza on a fully-guaranteed two-year contract worth $5.5 million.

Boston Celtics saw beyond the nominal NBA numbers, through the surface — they saw unrealised promise and a depth that would not cost them a lot of money.

Why the Boston Celtics see potential in Luka Garza

The Boston Celtics signed Luka Garza to a two-year contract at the minimum salary, totaling around $5.5 million fully guaranteed, on June 30, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.The last season Luka Garza spent in the NBA with Minnesota was rather average with his averages of 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in 39 matches, and 5.6 minutes of performance per game with 49.5 percent conversion rate.

Throughout his three years in Minnesota, he never played more than 8.7 minutes per game.

Boston Celtics lose Luke Kornet to San Antonio Spurs on a four year 41 million deal

The Boston Celtics's decision came on the heels of several departures. Backup center Luke Kornet secured a four-year, $41 million contract with San Antonio just before the Luka Garza deal was announced.

Earlier in June, the Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porziņģis to Atlanta to create some cap space. Veteran Al Horford is still without a contract, but there’s ongoing interest from other teams.

Right now, only Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta are signed for frontcourt depth.Luka Garza had no tough NBA minutes, but his resume is strong: multiple-time and National Player of the Year at Iowa and the winner of the Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award. He was also a bright star in the G-League, being named to the All-G League Third Team and running away with MVP at the 2023 Next Up Game. His time ahead of Minnesota had been on the radar of the Boston Celtics.

He may be a steal in Celtics, where he would give more upside and fungible without giving away Celtics cap or draft pick.Also Read: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk’s contract secured by Utah Jazz amid roster overhaul including Collin Sexton tradeWith key big men missing and salary cap space tight, Luka Garza presents a low-risk choice with potential. If he thrives, the Boston Celtics adds important depth to their rotation at a low price. If he doesn't, it's still a reasonable investment for backup in a frontcourt that has become quite fragile.