Overview
- The Celtics declined Ron Harper Jr.’s $2.6 million team option and on Saturday agreed to a three-year, $9 million contract that effectively guarantees him a roster spot through the 2028–29 season.
- Harper earned the chance after joining Boston on an Exhibit 10 training-camp deal, moving to a two-way contract for 2025–26 and having that deal converted to a standard NBA contract in April.
- He appeared in 29 NBA games last season, averaging about 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited minutes while producing high-level scoring and all-around numbers for the Maine Celtics in the G League.
- The inexpensive extension preserves cheap wing depth and gives Boston salary flexibility as the front office balances draft moves and trade options for star Jaylen Brown.
- Teammates and family celebrated the signing, which marks Harper’s first guaranteed multi-year NBA deal and secures stability for a player who rose from undrafted free agent and two-way contracts to a regular rotation role.