The Boston Celtics made a roster adjustment on Sunday by releasing two-way forward Mile Norris.
The team has one two-way contract slot open to bring in their second-round draft pick, Amari Williams. Previously, the Celtics had signed Max Shulga to a two-way deal, and with the recent addition of RJ Lewis Jr. from Utah, the team was temporarily over the limit for two-way players.
Norris, signed in March, appeared in three regular-season games. The 25-year-old forward offered a compelling combination of height (6-foot-10) and shooting but was cut after the Celtics acquired Lewis Jr. from the Jazz as part of the George Nian trade.
Williams, a 6-foot-11 big man chosen 46th in the 2025 NBA Draft, showed promise during the NBA Summer League with his playmaking and shot-blocking skills. However, he still needs to develop his finishing ability around the basket at the professional level.
Shulga was picked 57th in this year’s draft, while Lewis Jr., the Big East Player of the Year from St. John’s, went undrafted in June but was later signed by Utah.
Two-way contracts are crucial for Boston as they aim to cultivate young, affordable talent for the team’s deeper roster spots. Boston has successfully used two-way deals before to develop players like Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta, both of whom have seen significant playing time this 2025-26 season.
Given the roster departures this offseason, there’s a strong opportunity for younger players to prove their worth. Williams stands out as a key addition for the Celtics, especially in providing depth for frontcourt positions, which are currently thinner.
Fan Take: This roster move highlights the Celtics’ commitment to nurturing young talent through strategic two-way contracts, offering fans a glimpse of future stars in the making. For basketball enthusiasts, it underscores how teams balance short-term needs with long-term development to remain competitive.
