The Boston Celtics acquired third-year guard Jordan Crawford from the Washington Wizards for guard Leandro Barbosa and center Jason Collins on Thursday, sources have confirmed to ESPN.com.
Barbosa is out the remainder of the 2012-13 season after tearing his ACL earlier this month. Crawford is expected to fill Barbosa’s void on Boston’s bench after falling out of favor in Washington.
Collins has averaged just over 10 minutes per game for the Celtics this season, scoring an average of 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds. In initial reports, it appeared the deal would strictly be a Crawford-for-Barbosa swap. The inclusion of Collins became apparent just after the 3 p.m. trade deadline Thursday.
The 24-year-old Crawford, the 27th pick in the 2010 draft, has averaged 13.4 points, 3.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds over 26.2 minutes per game for his career. This season, he is averaging 13.2 points, 3.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds over 26.2 minutes per contest, starting 12 of Washington’s 52 games. Since the return of John Wall, Crawford’s playing time has decreased.
Barbosa received increased playing time after Rajon Rondo tore his ACL in late January — only to sustain the same season-ending injury less than three weeks later. Barbosa is waiting for an MCL sprain to heal before undergoing surgery to repair the ACL injury.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge had previously expressed an interest in bringing Barbosa back next season.
Initial reports suggested the Celtics and Wizards were discussing a deal centered on a Crawford swap for rookie Fab Melo, but that never materialized. The Celtics view Melo as a long-term project. He has spent much of the season in the D-League but is traveling with Boston while providing emergency depth for an injury-depleted roster.
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