Key Highlights
- The Boston Celtics have cut ties with three players to set their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
- RJ Luis Jr., Aaron Scott, and Hason Ward are now on the Maine Celtics G League affiliate.
- With these moves, the Celtics maintain a 17-man roster heading into the new season.
- The team is trying to manage costs by avoiding bringing in a 15th player too early.
Background on the Boston Celtics’ Roster Moves
The Boston Celtics, a perennial powerhouse in the NBA, are making strategic moves as they gear up for the upcoming season. The team has decided to part ways with three players from their training camp roster: RJ Luis Jr., Aaron Scott, and Hason Ward. These decisions come at a crucial time as the Celtics look to optimize their squad composition while managing costs.
Players Cut by the Celtics
Aaron Scott, a 6-foot-7 guard who played for St. John’s, had an impressive showing in the NCAA Tournament where he helped his team reach the second round. Despite not seeing any preseason action with Boston, he appeared in two Summer League games and averaged 11.8 minutes per game.
Hason Ward, a power forward undrafted out of Iowa State, joined the Maine Celtics for his inaugural professional season after playing for the Scarborough Shooting Stars.
He showed promise in the G League, averaging 8.4 points with a strong shooting percentage (.684/.500/.695) and contributing significantly on the boards.
RJ Luis Jr., who was named Big East Player of the Year and an All-American Second Teamer during his time at St. John’s, also found himself released by the Celtics. His contract situation is closely monitored as the team may offer him a fully guaranteed agreement if he performs well in the future.
Implications for the Boston Celtics’ Season
The moves made by the Celtics reflect their efforts to streamline operations and control costs while still maintaining competitiveness. By waiving these players, the team can focus on developing their remaining roster and exploring potential free agent signings later in the season. The G League affiliate, Maine Celtics, will now provide a platform for these players to showcase their talents and potentially earn contract extensions worth up to $85,300.
For the Celtics, these decisions are part of broader strategies aimed at optimizing their roster. With Antemias Queta and Jordan Walsh on partly guaranteed contracts, there is a clear path toward securing fully guaranteed agreements for these key players if they perform well in the upcoming season.
Finding Balance Between Cost Management and Team Strength
The Boston Celtics’ approach to managing their roster reflects a common challenge faced by NBA teams: balancing cost with team strength. As the league continues to enforce luxury tax rules, teams like the Celtics must be mindful of their financial obligations while still striving for competitive success.
By cutting these three players and maintaining a 17-man roster, the Celtics demonstrate a thoughtful approach to player management. This strategy allows them to focus on developing younger talent within their system while potentially signing high-impact free agents later in the season.
The Boston Celtics’ moves set the stage for an intriguing upcoming season, with key players like Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh under close scrutiny as they vie for fully guaranteed contracts. The team’s strategic decisions will play a crucial role in determining their success during the 2025-26 NBA campaign.
