The Boston Celtics have struck a two-year deal with free-agent guard Dalano Banton, according to league sources cited by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The move fills the lone vacancy on Boston’s 15-man roster.
Banton, 26, has logged 221 regular-season appearances since entering the league as the No. 46 overall pick in 2021. Over that span, the 6-foot-8 playmaker has averaged 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 14.3 minutes per game while shooting .402 from the field, .304 from three and .730 at the free-throw line.
Although most of his NBA minutes came with Toronto and Portland, Banton is no stranger to Boston. He spent part of the 2023-24 campaign with the Celtics and returned on a 10-day contract in February, giving the club a playoff-eligible reserve already familiar with its system.
Beyond brief 10-day stints this season with Boston and the Los Angeles Clippers, Banton played the bulk of 2025-26 for the G League’s Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate. In 44 games, he posted 24.9 points, 7.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds across 32.8 minutes, shooting .438 overall, .321 from deep and .799 at the line.
The Celtics have managed their books carefully to stay below the luxury-tax threshold and currently sit $38,040 under the line. If Banton is signed Saturday, his prorated minimum contract would cost $28,293; a Sunday signing would drop that figure to $14,146. Either scenario keeps Boston out of tax territory.
The second season of the agreement is worth $2,801,346 and is non-guaranteed, per Brian Robb of MassLive.com.
Source: HoopsRumors
