On Monday, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet reported that the Toronto Raptors waived Andre Jackson Jr., who was with them on an Exhibit 10 deal.
As covered with players like Hayden Gray, who's with the Boston Celtics on that same contractual arrangement, Jackson can earn a $91,000 bonus if he plays 60 days with the Raptors' G League affiliate. That's why the most common path would be for someone in the former UConn Huskies standout's position to remain with the organization.
However, if Jackson is willing to relocate, working with the Celtics' elite player development program could be best for his career long-term. As covered when numerous opportunities presented themselves this offseason, securing Boston's 15th roster spot would be unlikely.
It's better if that final vacancy stays open. That helps preserve flexibility. It also helps keep the franchise below the luxury tax. They are well positioned to reset the repeater tax. That could help keep a championship contender intact. They could reset the repeater tax in one of the next two seasons. However, respectfully, this isn't a potential acquisition the club should procrastinate that task for.
Andre Jackson Jr. could join the battle for a Celtics' two-way deal
Devin Carter, Milos Uzan, Tucker DeVries, and Gray headline that competition. Jackson could swoop in and claim that roster spot. However, in this author's opinion, Carter would remain the favorite for Boston's last two-way contract.
The former lottery pick chose this opportunity for the same reasons that should appeal to Jackson. Even on an NBA floor, both are exceptional athletes who could elevate their career trajectory by taking a chance on an Exhibit 10 deal with the Celtics.
Both players have a glaring weakness in their game. Neither one has proven to be a good shooter. Carter's now working in an elite infrastructure that has a proven track record of helping in that area.
Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr., and now, seemingly, Dillon Mitchell are some of the clients to reap the rewards. They could all provide Jackson with raving testimonials.
Why the Celtics would want to work with Andre Jackson Jr.
The wing spot is the most crowded one on Boston's depth chart. That adds to the difficulty of him arriving and winning the battle for the team's final two-way deal.
However, the former Milwaukee Buck is absolutely worth working with in Maine. There, he could join a loaded roster. It's a group with a promising chance to capture the first championship for Boston's G League affiliate.
Jackson utilizes his athleticism on the offensive glass. That impact on the possession battle would fit right in with the Celtics. He averaged 1.0 per game in 2025-26. His career output nearly matches that.
That also highlights a player who wouldn't need the ball. His energy and athletic prowess could carve out a role for him. He produces points with his cuts. At the other end, Boston can help him grow into a better defender. And if he develops into a more reliable shooter, he'll become an appealing target for teams across the Association. He turns 25 in November. He still has youth and potential upside in his favor.
Like Carter, who starred at Providence, Jackson could return to New England, work with perhaps the best player development program in the NBA, and set himself up best for the long term.
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