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Dillon Mitchell May Return to St. John's After Court Extends Eligibility

That federal injunction could force the Celtics to act by Sept. 5 to preserve their exclusive negotiating rights.

Overview

  • A U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction extending a fifth year of NCAA eligibility to the high‑school class of 2022, creating the legal pathway for Mitchell to play another college season.
  • Mitchell remains unsigned by the Boston Celtics and, according to reporting, a return to St. John's is being considered as the Red Storm reportedly have an open roster spot.
  • Mitchell impressed in Las Vegas Summer League, averaging about 13 points and 5 rebounds in three games, which has strengthened Boston’s interest in keeping him under team control.
  • Under NBA rules the Celtics must issue a required tender by Sept. 5 to preserve exclusive negotiating rights for the coming season, but Mitchell could decline any offer and the NCAA has filed an appeal so the ruling remains legally unsettled.
  • The injunction also affects several other unsigned 2026 second‑round picks and could prompt teams and college programs to treat returning draftees as a domestic draft‑and‑stash option with ripple effects on rosters and contract planning.