VFL Josh Richardson has played for three teams since he first entered the NBA in 2015. And now, he has found his fourth. After playing one year in Dallas last season, former Tennessee guard Josh Richardson has officially signed a contract with the Boston Celtics.
Richardson’s deal, while complex, will pay him $24 million over the next two seasons in Boston. According to NBA Insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, “Richardson opted into the 2021-22 season prior to his trade from Dallas to Boston.” Due to that move, Richardson could tack on a second year to the original one-year contract.
“We feel fortunate to be able to extend Josh,” Brad Stevens, the Celtics president of basketball operations, said in a statement on Tuesday. “He is a talented offensive player, a versatile defender, and plays with an edge and toughness that Boston fans will love.”
While in Boston, Richardson will be teaming up with another former Tennessee player. Grant Williams, a two-time SEC player of the year, is heading into his third season with the Celtics.
Richardson played in Knoxville from 2011-2015. In those four years, Richardson played in 136 games; the third-most played in school history. As a senior, Richardson made the First Team All-SEC and the SEC All-Defensive Team. He finished his Tennessee career with 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
Josh Richardson entered the league as the 40th pick in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft. Richardson became a member of the Miami Heat, where he would spend the next four seasons. However, in 2019, Richardson was traded to Philadelphia as part of the package for Jimmy Butler.
The former Volunteer spent one year with Philadelphia in 2019. Although, he was traded to Dallas before getting a chance at year two with the 76ers.
Richardson’s offensive numbers have taken a hit in the last two seasons, but he is still a very talented player in the NBA.
Josh Richardson will team up with players like Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, and VFL Grant Williams as he continues his quest for an NBA championship in 2022.
