Former Celtics forward signs with Pelicans

Former Celtics forward Daniel Theis is onto his next step, signing a one-year with the Pelicans.

The big man was a free agent after spending most of last season with the Clippers as the 32-year-old will prepare for his eighth NBA season.

Theis was at least an interesting name this summer for the Celtics considering their previous interest in him. But Boston shored up its front-court depth by re-signing all of its reserves in Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta. So minutes and opportunity were going to be hard to come by for Theis, who will look to make an impact in New Orleans.

Theis started last season with the Pacers, where he wasn’t getting any playing time. He negotiated a buyout from Indiana before eventually landing with the Clippers for the rest of the season. Back then, the C’s were interested in bringing Theis back for his third stint in Boston. But Theis was unlikely to get much playing time as he ended up in Los Angeles.

The big man played with the Celtics in two different stints, first from 2017-21, developing his way into a starting role. Theis also played with the C’s during the 2022 NBA Finals run in a reserve role after the team traded for him from the Rockets at the deadline. The Celtics traded Theis to the Pacers in the Malcolm Brogdon deal back in the 2022 offseason.

Now, Theis will suit up for a New Orleans team going through a major shakeup after dealing for Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. Theis should also have a busy summer leading Germany in the 2024 Paris Olympics.