Former college star signed two-year vet minimum with Boston.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics have signed former Iowa standout and Minnesota Timberwolves center Luka Garza to a 2-year, $5.5 million veteran minimum contract. In 39 games with Minnesota last season Garza averaged 3.5 PPG and 1.4 REB on 49.5% shooting from the field and 27.8% from three.
Free agent center Luka Garza has agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. The Celtics negotiated the new deal with Garza’s representatives Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller of @PrioritySports tonight. pic.twitter.com/d5x5HzGYIL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
According to The Athletic’s Jay King, the Celtics have been a fan of Garza for a while according to Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic. He said Boston has made inquires for Garza in the past with Minnesota and finally were able to acquire him.
This signing came minutes after Luke Kornet signed a 4-year/$41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs and with Al Horford still a free agent, Garza has a chance to play real minutes for the first time in his NBA career. Garza was a standout college player at Iowa where he was a two time National Player of the Year and two time Kareem Abdul-Jabar Award Winner, given to the best center in college basketball.
He also found great success in the G League early on in his career as he was named to the All-NBA G League Third Team and NBA G League All-Rookie Team in 2022. He was also named to the NBA G League Next Up Game for back to back seasons where he won MVP of the game in 2023 and played in 2024.