Celtics sign free agent Torrey Craig day after trading Jaden Springer

The Celtics have signed free agent forward Torrey Craig, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Thursday evening in the middle of the Celtics game against the Mavericks. That announcement came just a few hours after Brad Stevens told reporters that signing a backup wing was a priority.

Craig, an 8-year NBA veteran, was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2017 and has enjoyed stints with the Bucks, Suns, Pacers, and, most recently, the Bulls. For his career, he’s averaged 6 points per game on 45.4% FG, and shot 35.5% from three.

His percentages have increased as of late — the 34-year-old shot 42.9% from three before being waived by the Bulls, after shooting at least 39% from three in each of the previous two seasons. Notably, Craig also has 75 games of playoff experience.

The move comes just a day after the Celtics waived backup guard Jaden Springer. Springer, while an excellent on-ball defender, is a far less consistent three-point shooter than Craig. He also was making $4 million annually, which cost the Celtics $15 million a year due to the luxury tax. But, the Celtics were down to just 13 rostered players after the trade, and had two weeks to sign a mandatory 14th.

Earlier on Thursday, Stevens was asked about the potential of a new player being added to the roster via the buyout market — and he said that while benefits can come with a new addition, there’s also the potential of some risk.

“We believe in this group, and if we bring somebody in, that means that we believe they’ll add to this group,” Stevens said. “That doesn’t mean they’ll play, but when called upon, they can be ready to go in big moments.”

Craig presumably won’t play significant minutes — but given that Sam Hauser has dealt with back issues this season, he does instantly provide the Celtics with additional wing depth and security. Stevens said a few hours before the signing was reported that the 14th roster spot would be filled very soon, and that a decision on what to do with the 15th would come later. It’s possible that one of the Celtics’ two-way players — in particular, JD Davison or Drew Peterson — will see their contract converted to a standard deal.

Stevens said that whoever the Celtics choose to add would have to be someone they ensure would enhance the locker room.

“This is about winning as a team,” he said. “This is about doing everything that we can to represent Boston and the Celtics and each other well, and be a great teammate — and do all the things necessary to try and give yourself a chance.”