The Boston Celtics traded Jaden Springer to the Houston Rockets on Feb. 6. Ime Udoka’s surging team quickly waived the defensive-minded guard before signing with the Utah Jazz.On Monday, March 10, Springer made his return to the TD Garden as part of Will Hardy’s team.

Springer, whom Boston acquired from Philadelphia ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, said he appreciated Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens’ transparency during the negotiation process. He said he has no ill will toward the Celtics — with whom he won an NBA championship last season — for shipping him out.

Springer was the subject of Celtics trade rumors dating back to training camp, largely due to his $4.02 million salary. With luxury repeater tax penalties factored in, that would