Brad Wanamaker signs with Boston Celtics

Former Pitt guard Brad Wanamaker signed with the Boston Celtics on Monday after a successful seven-year stint overseas. Wanamaker’s contract will last for one year and pay the NBA’s rookie minimum salary, according to Fred Katz of MassLive.com.

The move to Boston did not represent Wanamaker’s best financial option, as it was previously reported that a $3.8 million offer was awaiting him in Barcelona if he decided to return to Europe for another season. However, after honing his skills and reaching the peak of the European game with Fenerbahce, Wanamaker chose to cash in on his success and come home.

With the Celtics, the former Pitt guard will have an opportunity to instantly contend as a member of the most successful team in NBA history. Of course, today’s iteration of the team is not on par with the Boston squads of the 1960s, 1980s or 2000s. But with Kyrie Irving in tow and LeBron James gone, the C’s could quickly find themselves on top of a wide-open Eastern Conference.

Although Wanamaker is not guaranteed as significant a role as the one he held with Fenerbahce, where he was second on the team in scoring and a vital contributor, he’s proven he can come through in clutch situations. For example, he was vital to Fenerbahce’s efforts in clinching the Turkish Basketball Super League title in June and was named the series MVP.

That experience could benefit a Celtics backcourt that might be missing Marcus Smart and Shane Larkin next season, as both guards are currently on the free-agent market.

Over the course of 69 games in the 2017-18 season, Wanamaker averaged 11.5 points, 3.5 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He also shot 45.6 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from three-point range during that span and was known for his defensive efforts.