The Boston Celtics waived Dalano Banton in July. They made that move right as Summer League was starting. It gave the franchise a bit of breathing room below the luxury tax, which they remain under. They also created an open roster spot.
While that final slot remains vacant in Boston, Banton has landed on his feet. He is signing with the Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin of the Chinese Basketball Association. That announcement comes courtesy of the popular Instagram account, HoopsChina.
This will be Banton's first foray overseas.
Dalano Banton turned down EuroLeague opportunities
According to BeBasketball, several EuroLeague clubs generated interest in signing the former Celtics guard.
Partizan, Valencia, and Olympiacos all reportedly kept close tabs on Banton this summer. He also had opportunities to take his talents overseas last offseason.
Instead, his patience paid off. He eventually landed an NBA contract with the Dallas Mavericks. And while he did not parlay his Exhibit 10 deal into a spot on their roster, he joined their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends.
In February, the six-foot-eight Swiss Army knife secured a 10-day pact with the Los Angeles Clippers. Later that month, after his deal expired, he returned to Boston on that same agreement.
Dalano Banton might not be done with the NBA
The Toronto, Ontario, Canada native is only 26. In his year-plus tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, he received an extended opportunity. In 20.6 minutes of floor time, he averaged 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
For his career, he is producing 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in under 15 minutes per appearance. But it's not just his age, size, skill, and versatility that explain why he could one day return to the Association.
The motivation behind Banton's second stint with the Celtics was that the organization needed to fill a spot so that their roster complied with league rules. Bringing him back, along with converting John Tonje from a two-way deal, was the way Boston met the minimum, carrying 14 players on standard contracts.
That's a specific circumstance that Banton can't bank on happening with another NBA club this season. However, if he impresses in China, he could book a return trip to the league. That is far from uncommon. So, whether it's another 10-day deal or a longer arrangement, if he handles business overseas, another NBA contract would not be surprising. Perhaps it'll even come in the form of a third stint with the Celtics.
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