Ron Harper Jr. signs one-year two-way deal with Celtics

Ron Harper Jr. signed a one-year two-way contract with the Boston Celtics on Thursday, securing a roster spot that will allow him to split time between the NBA club and its G League affiliate as the team heads into the 2025-26 season. The move completes Boston's allotted three two-way slots after the team waived rookie forward RJ Luis Jr. earlier this week to open roster space.

Harper, a 25-year-old wing who went undrafted out of Rutgers in 2022, rejoined the Celtics this fall on a training-camp Exhibit 10 deal and earned the promotion after a solid preseason showing. He logged 32 minutes across three exhibition games, shooting 4-for-10 overall and 3-for-7 from three-point range while contributing three assists, two offensive rebounds, a block and a steal. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Harper has shown improved shooting, decision-making and competitiveness, and he will have an opportunity to contribute this season.

The signing formalizes a path that began with Harper attending Celtics training camp last year and spending part of the 2024-25 season with Boston's G League club, the Maine Celtics, before the Detroit Pistons signed him to a two-way deal in January. Much of Harper's...