BOSTON — The NBA Finals ended on June 16. And on Friday, half a day into free agency and 14 days after that numbing Game 6 loss and admitting he needed shooting, playmaking and depth, Brad Stevens addressed the lion’s share of his needs during an extremely busy morning.
The Celtics bolstered their bench by reaching agreement with Danilo Gallinari, the 33-year-old Italian veteran and a so-called stretch four, and then sent a large trade package to Indiana for point guard Malcom Brogdon.
The Celtics are sending Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, and their 2023 first-round pick, in addition to Nic Stauskas, Juwan Morgan, and Malik Fitts. Stevens was able to land Brogdon, who has three years and $67.6 left on his contract, including $22.6 million next season.
Gallinari, who reportedly received a more lucrative offer from Chicago, agreed to a two-year, roughly $13 million contract, via the Celtics’ $6.5 taxpayer mid-level exception.
