The Boston Celtics have agreed to a deal with Ron Harper Jr., per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. That move brings their roster total to the offseason maximum of 21 players.
The Detroit Pistons waived Harper a few weeks ago. They had plucked him from the Maine Celtics, Boston's G League affiliate, in January.
After moving to "The Motor City" on a two-way deal, he appeared in one game with Detroit. It was the Pistons' regular-season finale, a 140-133 overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Harper generated four points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 17 minutes.
Now he rejoins Boston on an Exhibit 10 deal, per Keith Smith of Spotrac. While making the parent club is a long shot, this positions the six-foot-four wing to again suit up for Maine.
The former St. John's standout averaged 18.2 points and made 39 percent of the 8.9 threes he attempted in 37 combined games with the Pistons and Celtics' G League affiliates. He also contributed 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest.
Celtics leave 15th roster spot vacant
The report that Harper Jr. will be at the Auerbach Center for training camp this fall comes on the heels of Boston officially bringing Amari Williams on board.
The Celtics signed the latter, who they selected 46th overall this year, to a two-way deal Friday. Williams, fellow second-round selection Max Shulga, and RJ Luis Jr. occupy Boston's three two-way roster spots.
Harper joins Jalen Bridges, Aaron Scott, and Hayden Gray as players who will work with the Celtics on Exhibit 10 deals.
The organization has 14 players signed to standard NBA contracts. That satisfies the league minimum. It also leaves an opening, should it wish to acquire a young player of interest or take a chance on a veteran, like Ben Simmons.
However, according to Brian Robb of MassLive, the franchise appears inclined to preserve that roster vacancy. Doing so would help Boston maximize tax savings during a projected gap year from title contention.
Operating that way would add to the steepness of the climb Harper must make to earn the 15th and final roster spot with the Celtics. Whether it's him or another player who catches their eye, an opportunity could arise that persuades them to change their mind.
However, as training camp approaches, it appears that flexibility and tax savings, which will help them rebuild their roster in the future, are taking precedence over filling that 15th spot.