The Boston Celtics weren't major players in the trade market this year, making one minor move as the trade deadline passed. They have traded guard Jabari Bird to the Atlanta Hawks.
Sources: The Boston Celtics have traded Jabari Bird to the Atlanta Hawks. Boston will send cash to cover Bird's deal and will receive a heavily protected second round pick in return.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 7, 2019
But Bird won't be moving in Atlanta, as he's expected to be waived.
Celtics trade guard Jabari Bird to Hawks for cash, source said. Atlanta expected to waive Bird.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 7, 2019
Bird was selected 56th overall by the Celtics in the 2017 draft but has played sparingly for the team. He only played 13 games last season, putting up 3.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists.
The Celtics are stacked with guards, making it difficult for Bird to crack the rotation. Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Smart take all the minutes at the point guard position, which makes Bird expendable.
Boston got another pick in this trade, something that they can add to their large number of assets. The Celtics are obviously planning to go after All-Star forward Anthony Davis this summer, and getting an additional draft pick that they can add in a potential trade package will absolutely strengthen their chances of acquiring him from the New Orleans Pelicans.
There will be no room for Bird with the Hawks either. They are focused on developing guards Trae Young and Kevin Huerter, which makes waiving him a no-brainer. Atlanta has also waived veteran guard Shelvin Mack, minutes after acquiring him from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Both Bird and Mack are now part of the free agent market.
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