Wednesday, the Boston Celtics signed Hayden Gray to an Exhibit 10 deal, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. It marks the return of an individual who set the single-season steals record for their G League affiliate last year.
In 35 games with Maine, he averaged 10.5 points, 6.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in 29.7 minutes per game. That earned him a multi-year contract with the Utah Jazz in April.
In his lone appearance with Will Hardy's club, Gray generated six points, one assist, one steal, and one block in 25 minutes. Despite his impressive showing, the Jazz declined his team option for the upcoming campaign.
That opened the door for the former UC San Diego star, who was one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024-25, to rejoin the Celtics. Now, the question is whether this late entry can claim Boston's final two-way roster spot.
Will Hayden Gray earn the Celtics' last two-way deal?
Frankly, it would come as an upset. That doesn't mean it won't happen, but it is a long shot.
Odds are, this signing was standard procedure for a player they'd like to work with again in Maine. As covered when the Los Angeles Lakers recently signed and waived Anton Watson, if Boston goes that route with Gray, he can earn a $91,000 bonus if he plays 60 days with the team's G League affiliate.
A second stint with the Maine Celtics seems like his destiny. In this author's opinion, Devin Carter is the favorite for the parent club's final two-way spot.
Why Devin Carter is the favorite for the Celtics' last two-way spot
Pedigree and potential. The former 13th overall draft pick is a possession maxxer. He has the upside to be an extended rotation member. The former Providence standout could carve out a more significant role if he gets the most from his return to New England.
Carter grabbed nearly 2.0 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes in each of his first two NBA seasons. He's also a defensive menace. The six-foot-two guard is a terrific athlete who plays with considerable energy. He'll hound opposing ball handlers. When he's off the ball, he'll generate steals by blitzing from the blindside. The former Providence standout is also willing to give up his body to draw a charge.
However, there is a reason that the Sacramento Kings traded Carter and the Atlanta Hawks waived him. The same goes for why he took an Exhibit 10 deal with Boston.
Carter has a career true-shooting percentage below 50 percent. If that doesn't improve, it could send him overseas or to the G League. Luckily for him, the Celtics, who boast an elite player development program, have a strong track record of helping people with their shot. The list includes Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, and Ron Harper Jr. They're already making progress with this year's second-round pick, Dillon Mitchell.
So, while Hayden Gray has intriguing potential, he will most likely suit up for Maine or sign elsewhere by the time final cuts happen. Tucker DeVries is another name to keep an eye on in the battle for Boston's final two-way deal. However, if anyone beats out Carter for that spot, this author believes it would be Milos Uzan. The favorite for it has that status for a reason, though. There's a strong chance that's who will fill that vacancy.
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