As the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics continue with their team rebuild, Nuggets point guard Nate Robinson will be going to the Boston in a deal that lands the Nuggets Jameer Nelson.
In a move confirmed by the Celtics via Twitter, Robinson, a guard standing at 5'9" is averaging 5.8 points, 1.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 14.1 minutes per game, reports NBA.com.
The Boston Celtics have acquired guard Nate Robinson from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Jameer Nelson: https://t.co/wSdTYRwkCC
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 14, 2015
As Robinson returns to the Celtics, where he was a player for two seasons (2009-11), the 30-year-old averaged 6.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 16.9 minutes per game during his previous Boston stint.
According to ESPN, while the veteran will be switching teams, it won't be a long-term move as Robinson is expected to buyout of his contract and sign on with a playoff team.
Yahoo! Sports writes: "The Celtics are expected to negotiate a buyout of Robinson's $2.1 million contract and waive him," per sources. "If Robinson clears waivers, the Los Angeles Clippers could be a candidate to sign him. The Clippers previously had talks with the Nuggets about Robinson," added the insiders.
Robinson is presently playing with career-low stats as he returns from an ACL tear. The veteran's contract of $2.1 million is expiring, SB Nation believes the Celtics will take the deal allowing the Robinson to be clear for more cap space.
34-year-old Jameer Nelson, on the other hand, is considered to be a minor move for Boston who acquired Nelson as part of a Rajon Rondo package last month. He's been given very little playing time and has sat out the last six games, notes Boston.com.
Nelson is making $2.8 million this year with a $3.2 million player option in next year.
It could be that Denver is playing it safe with Nelson, making the baller a back-up to Ty Lawson. SB Nation notes Nelson's abilities behind the arch and ability to run an offense but in other areas, he needs to bulk up.
According to Nuggets General Manager Tim Connelly, via LA Times, Nelson's "veteran leadership will be of value to our team."
The move marks the third team for Nelson this season. In 2004, Nelson was the 20th overall pick by Denver and was quickly traded to Orlando in a draft-night deal.
