Report: Celtics on verge of completing deal for Evan Turner
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Evan Turner's 2013-14 season took a turn for the worse after he was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Indiana Pacers, but the Boston Celtics are reportedly ready to take a gamble on the out-of-favor unrestricted free agent.
Celtics front-office and agent David Falk just got off the phone finalizing deal for Evan Turner.
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) July 21, 2014
According to Zach Lowe of Grantland.com, a few "high-profile teams" were under the impression they could acquire Turner at the league minimum. Details of the deal have yet to emerge, but the Celtics are clearly looking to benefit from a cheap signing - he won't receive anywhere near the $6.68 million he earned last season - that offers little in the way of risk.
Turner's four-year career has been plagued by criticism. His stats are generally produced at an inefficient rate and he's a liability on defense. It also didn't help that the Indiana Pacers' plummet towards the end of the season coincided with his move to the franchise.
However, before the trade, the Ohio State product contributed to the 76ers with averages of 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, demonstrating an ability to mesh with teammates unlike his time in Indiana. There also aren't many wing options left on the market, so Turner represents one of the highest upside players available.