The Boston Celtics are converting Devin Carter's Exhibit 10 contract to a two-way deal. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype was the first to report that news.
The moment Carter agreed to join on an Exhibit 10 deal, he became the favorite to earn Boston's final two-way roster spot. Even an illness that sidelined him for the team's final three preseason tilts didn't change that.
Friday was a feel-good moment for the rest of the players with the franchise on training-camp agreements. They stepped into the spotlight and delivered a 125-120 overtime win over a Philadelphia 76ers team that started LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. However, no one threatened Carter for the Celtics' last two-way deal.
And while Milos Uzan, Gabe McGlothan, Tucker DeVries, and Hayden Gray are likely to join a loaded team in Maine that could deliver the organization's first G League championship, they might not see Carter much, if at all.
Devin Carter might stay with Boston, not the Maine Celtics
Players on two-way deals can be activated for up to 50 NBA games. That's either enough time, or it's close to when the franchise has the needed flexibility to convert his arrangement to a standard contract.
The Celtics are well positioned to reset the repeater tax. They don't have to do it this league year, but they can and figure to do so. They have $1.7 million in breathing room under the luxury tax. There's a good chance they will convert Carter's deal when they can safely do it without going over that threshold.
The former lottery pick accepted an Exhibit 10 deal with Boston. He likely had other opportunities that would've afforded him greater roster security. Instead, he took a more humble route while betting on himself. If he gets asked to go to Maine, it would be shocking if he objected. However, spending time in the G League might not be in his future.
Devin Carter fits in the Celtics' "Stay Ready Group"
Not to put a ceiling on the ascent the former Providence standout is capable of, but becoming a staple of Joe Mazzulla's rotation is a tall order. However, he's a perfect fit for the team's "Stay Ready Group."
The six-foot-two guard gives Boston an added layer of depth in the backcourt. In his lone preseason appearance, he generated 17 points. That was the second-most in the C's 124-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 24-year-old from Florida shot 5/9 from the field. He also registered five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
There's a compelling case that working with the Celtics' player development coaches full-time is the best path for Carter. It's a program with a long track record of helping shooters improve. That list includes Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, and Ron Harper Jr. Rookie Dillon Mitchell is already reaping the benefits.
Carter's a possession maxxer. He produces second-chance opportunities to help his team win the battle on the margins. He also uses his length and athleticism to be disruptive on defense. He also plays with tremendous energy on and off the ball. Those tools give him an avenue to stick as an NBA contributor. However, becoming a better shooter would raise his ceiling. It could help him blossom into a future rotation player.
That's why Carter was wise to choose the Celtics and the chance to work with an elite player development program. It required humility from an individual two years removed from being a lottery pick. However, he should feel confident that his decision is best for him in the long term.
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