The Boston Celtics have formally brought Amari Williams, their recent second-round selection in the NBA Draft, into their roster by signing him to a two-way agreement. This development, confirmed through official league transaction logs, marks a significant step for Williams as he embarks on his professional journey. Williams, standing at 6’11”, showcased his versatility as a forward/center during his collegiate tenure, initially at Drexel and concluding his super-senior year at the University of Kentucky in 2024. His time at Kentucky was particularly notable, where he started all 36 games and exhibited an impressive statistical profile, averaging 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in just 22.8 minutes per contest, highlighting his multifaceted impact on the court.
The path to Williams’s signing involved strategic maneuvering by the Celtics during the NBA Draft. Initially holding the 32nd pick, Boston opted to trade down, ultimately securing Williams with the 46th overall selection. Although an expected two-way deal for Williams was reported shortly after the draft, the official signing took several weeks to materialize as the team navigated its roster adjustments. The Celtics had a complex two-way contract situation entering the offseason, with players like Miles Norris on a carry-over deal, Max Shulga added in July, and RJ Luis acquired via trade. To accommodate Williams, the team waived Norris, thereby opening the necessary two-way roster slot. Under this two-way arrangement, Williams stands to earn a substantial amount if he remains on the contract for the entire season and is permitted to participate in up to 50 regular-season NBA games, with further development expected in the G League through strategic shuttling between the two leagues.
With Williams now officially onboard, the Celtics’ offseason roster solidifies at 18 players, comprising three two-way players—Williams, Shulga, and Luis—alongside 15 standard contracts. This total includes twelve fully guaranteed deals, two partially guaranteed contracts for Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta, and an Exhibit 10 contract for Hayden Gray, which offers potential conversion to a two-way deal or a direct route to the G League. This signing also signifies a broader milestone across the league, as all top 50 picks from the 2024 NBA Draft have now either secured contracts for the upcoming season or committed to professional play outside the NBA. This collective progression underscores the ongoing talent acquisition and development cycle within professional basketball, as teams and athletes alike strive for growth and success within a dynamic and competitive environment.
