The Boston Celtics signed second-round pick Jordan Mickey, the team announced on Monday.
The Celtics used available cap space to sign Mickey to a four-year, $5 million deal that includes guaranteed money in the first two seasons, according to sources.
Mickey, the 33rd pick in last month's draft, starred at summer leagues in Utah and Vegas. He averaged 13.8 points while shooting 52.9 percent from the floor in Vegas and added 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game over five appearances.
This deal guarantees Mickey modest money early in the deal (paying him more like a late first-round pick) and helps Boston keep him under its long-term control. The nonguaranteed years makes him a tradable asset in the future even if he doesn't develop down the road.
The 21-year-old Mickey will compete for minutes in Boston's overstocked frontcourt that will also feature offseason additions David Lee and Amir Johnson, along with returning veterans in Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, and Tyler Zeller. The Celtics project to have 16 guaranteed contracts barring any additional maneuvering this summer.
The 6-foot-8 Mickey, an LSU product, led Division 1 in in blocks per game (3.64) this past season.
Hop HERE to read more on why the Celtics sought a long-term deal with Mickey, who had pondered a shorter deal with the goal of reentering free agency sooner.
