Report: Celtics To Sign Evan Turner
The Boston Celtics are finalizing a deal with Indiana Pacers guard Evan Turner, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reports. Turner will sign for a portion of Boston’s mid-level exception. He became an unrestricted free agent when Indiana declined to own his matching rights with an $8.7 million offer sheet. Some may have expected them to do so, particularly after losing Lance Stephenson to Charlotte in free agency last week.
The Pacers brought in Turner from Philadelphia at the trade deadline in hopes of adding some offense to their bench and back court, however his production waned by 10 points and 13 minutes per game as he never found his niche on the Pacers’ roster.
Turner joins Brad Stevens and a Celtics team loaded with guards including draftees Marcus Smart and James Young, Avery Bradley, and Rajon Rondo (for right now). If anything Stevens should have a steady core of options in his back court for next season. Turner also joins fellow Buckeye Jared Sullinger on the Celtics roster.
