Former Iowa Men's Basketball star Luka Garza has had difficulty finding his footing in the NBA after the Detroit Pistons selected the big man with the No. 52 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
During his four-year NBA career, Garza has averaged 4.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in 7.8 minutes per game. His best statistical season came in his second season after signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Garza averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per game for the T-Wolves during the 2022-2023 season.
Garza's NBA career numbers are far from what he did in college. During his four years with Iowa Basketball, Garza averaged 18.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
He was named the consensus National Player of the Year award recipient after averaging a career-high 24.1 points with 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
Over the weekend, the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly declined Garza's option for next season, allowing him to hit the free agent market.
A few hours into the "legal tampering" period, Garza found a new home with a former championship team.
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
The Timberwolves declining Garza's $2.35 million option for the 2025-2026 season allowed him to sign a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Boston Celtics.
Garza has spent the last three seasons in Minnesota, averaging 4.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in limited minutes.
After signing superstars Jayson Tatum (five years, $315 million) and Jaylen Brown (five years, $303.7 million) to massive extensions, trading Kristaps Porzingis, losing reserve big man Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs in free agency, and potentially losing Al Horford in free agency, the Celtics inked Garza to a team-friendly deal.
The deal gives Garza a fresh start with a new organization after being buried on the Timberwolves' bench. He will attempt to crack the Celtics' rotation and earn valuable minutes next season.
The 2025 NBA free agent contact period began on Monday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time, but free agents cannot officially sign deals until July 6.