The Boston Celtics officially signed second-round pick Amari Williams to a two-way contract on Friday, according to the NBA transactions log. Williams was the No. 46 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft that Boston acquired in a trade with the Orlando Magic on draft night for the No. 32 overall pick. Boston also acquired Max Shulga at No. 57 overall and two future second-round picks as part of the deal.
Multiple sources indicated to MassLive on draft night that Williams would eventually land a two-way deal but the Celtics waived Miles Norris earlier this week to open two-way slots for Williams and undrafted rookie RJ Luis Jr.
Williams is a seven-footer who spent the final season of his collegiate career at Kentucky last year before being drafted by Boston. He averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game and also posted 10 double-doubles. The England native also played three seasons at Drexel before transferring to Kentucky and was a three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year.
Williams played four games in Las Vegas for the Celtics Summer League team, posting 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 17.6 minutes per game as Boston posted a 4-1 record. Williams showed off some nice passing ability and defense in his stints but struggled with his shot around the basket (44 percent) in his pro debut.
Williams joins Shulga and Luis Jr. as the two-way players for the Celtics for next season. Luis Jr. was acquired from the Utah Jazz last week officially in exchange for Georges Niang and two second-round picks. Boston currently only has one spot open on the 15-man roster.
As a two-way player, Williams is eligible to appear in 50 regular season games for the Celtics but his contract does not count against the salary cap. Boston is currently $12 million over the luxury tax line after salary dumping Niang to Utah last week.
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