With NBA trade season underway, plenty of rumors are swirling. The Boston Celtics aren’t expected to make any major moves. However, Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer have been in Celtics trade rumors. A possible Tillman or Springer trade would be a salary-shedding move for Boston.
If one of these players is traded, the Celtics would have an open roster spot. As a result, the Celtics could look to convert one of their two-way players to a standard contract. Currently, the Celtics have three players on two-way deals. Last year, the Celtics converted Neemias Queta to a standard contract after the trade deadline. Let’s explore whether one of these three players could be converted to a standard deal.
Will the Celtics Convert One of Their Two-Way Players to a Standard Contract?
JD Davison
Over the last couple of years, JD Davison has been one the best players in the G League. This season, Davison became the Maine Celtics’ all-time leading scorer. Davison is averaging an absurd 27.4 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in the G League this season. However, Davison has never been given a real opportunity in the NBA, in three seasons, he has played in just 25 total games. Additionally, this season, Davison has played in just five NBA games and 24 total minutes.
Davison is a crafty finisher and playmaker, making him an intriguing guard off the bench for the Celtics. If Springer gets traded, the Celtics could look to convert Davison’s contract to fill this bench guard void. Given his incredible play in the G League, Davison is fully deserving of an NBA opportunity. Nevertheless, considering his limited NBA minutes, the Celtics may opt to keep Davison on a two-way deal. Notably, two-way players can play a maximum of 50 games with the NBA squad and aren’t eligible to play in the playoffs. Overall, it’s possible but unclear if the Celtics will convert Davison’s contract if Springer gets traded.
Drew Peterson
Early in December, Drew Peterson played some surprising big minutes, earning 25 and 26 minutes in consecutive games. Peterson provided the Celtics with solid rebounding and shooting in these two games. As a result, many wondered if Peterson could crack the Celtics rotation. Since those two games, Peterson has appeared in two more games, recording three and 19 minutes. Overall, Peterson has played in a total of seven games, averaging 11.6 minutes, 2.9 points, and 2.3 rebounds.
Peterson’s skill set as a big wing with rebounding and floor spacing abilities makes him an ideal fit for the Celtics system. While Tillman and Springer aren’t wings, adding more wing depth can never hurt. Ultimately, Peterson’s occasional big rotational minutes and well-rounded skill set make him the most likely player to earn a standard contract.
Anton Watson
Anton Watson was the Celtics’ 2024 second-round pick. The Gonzaga product is a bigger wing at 6-foot-8 with a knack for defense, finishing, and playmaking. This well-rounded skill set makes Watson an intriguing player. In the G League, Watson is averaging a solid 12.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. However, Watson has yet to appear in a game for Boston. As a result, there’s virtually no chance the Celtics would convert his contract. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to watch the rookie’s development over the next few years.
Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh
While Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh aren’t on two-way contracts, both players have been assigned to the G League at various points of the season. NBA rules state that players with less than three years of experience can be assigned to the G League an unlimited amount of times. Scheierman has appeared in 10 G League games, while Walsh has appeared in just one this season.
A possible Tillman and/or Springer trade would open up some occasional minutes for both of these young wings. Walsh has appeared in 20 games with the Celtics, averaging eight minutes a game. While Scheierman has appeared in five games, receiving 34 total minutes. Ultimately, a possible trade would benefit Walsh more however; the rookie Scheierman would also receive more minutes, especially in blowout games, and spend less time in Maine.
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