Josh Richardson signs one-year contract extension with Boston Celtics

Photo | Tony Gutierrez

The Boston Celtics have signed Josh Richardson to a one-year extension. Richardson, who originally had one season left on his deal, will now be under contract with the Celtics through the 2022-23 season. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Richardson will now make around $24 million over the next two years.

Boston acquired Richardson earlier this offseason using the remainder of the Gordon Hayward TPE. They also sent young center Moses Brown to Dallas in that deal.

Many people believed the Celtics were trying to clear as much cap space as possible for next offseason. This move directly counters that idea. In the last week, Boston has extended Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, and now Richardson. They now don’t have much wiggle room next year.

While this may put them out of the Bradley Beal sweepstakes, it could mean they are trying to trade for him instead. Beal will be entering the final year of his contract this year. If a Beal trade were to happen, Richardson could be included as a piece due to his larger salary. Maybe the Wizards just wanted him around for longer?

For now, though, Richardson will provide quality 3&D minutes for the Celtics. He is a great defender who has also shown promise as a shooter and ball-handler. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season while shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.0% from three-poimt range.