Boston Celtics Trim Roster Ahead of New NBA Season

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics are finalizing their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, which begins on Tuesday. Their first game is set for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. against the Philadelphia 76ers.

To make room for their final roster spots, the Celtics released two players who had signed Exhibit 10 training camp deals: swingman Aaron Scott and power forward Hason Ward. This decision comes shortly after Boston re-signed RJ Luis Jr. on Saturday, only to waive him the next day.

With these cuts, the Celtics now have a total of 17 players on their roster, including 14 on their standard 15-man roster along with three two-way players. Starting center Neemias Queta and forward Jordan Walsh are both on partially guaranteed contracts. Queta is likely to secure a fully guaranteed deal, while Walsh must show his value this season.

The Celtics are navigating financial constraints and will likely avoid adding a 15th player too early in the season. This is due to the team still being marginally above the NBA’s first luxury tax apron, as of now. The released players, Scott, Ward, and Luis, will head to the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate. If they stay with the G League team for at least 60 days, they will be eligible for contract extensions worth up to $85,300.

Aaron Scott, a 6-foot-7 guard from St. John’s, previously helped the Celtics reach the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Hason Ward, who went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2024, had a stint with the Maine Celtics last season, averaging 8.4 points and showing promise as a contributor.

R.J. Luis Jr., last season’s Big East Player of the Year and an All-American, had an impressive collegiate career at St. John’s, averaging 18.2 points for the Red Storm. His brief time with the Celtics featured appearances in the Summer League, which showcased his potential.

As the season approaches, the Celtics are focusing on balancing financial prudence with the competitive roster needed for the hectic NBA season ahead.