Boston Celtics sign versatile forward to two-way offer

The Celtics are signing Ron Harper Jr to a two-way offer, a team source confirmed to MassLive on Thursday. The 25-year-old forward had been in training camp with Boston on an Exhibit 10 offer but was a strong candidate for a roster spot as MassLive reported Wednesday. The team created an open roster spot this week by releasing rookie forward RJ Luis Jr. from his two-way offer, opening the door for the Harper Jr. signing. Boston had acquired Luis Jr. in a trade with the Jazz this summer, but he saw very special action this preseason before his release.

The Celtics have a history with Harper Jr., who spent time with the team last season in Summer League and with the Maine Celtics in the G-League. The Pistons ultimately signed him away on a two-way contract at midseason but did not retain him this offseason.

Harper Jr. has also spent time with the Raptors in his NBA career after going undrafted out of Rutgers in 2022. He played his first two seasons in Toronto on a two-way offer, making this season his final year of two-way eligibility. He’s appeared in 11 NBA career games across his time in Toronto and Detroit.

Harper Jr. was a standout among Celtics training camp invites in a competition for a two-way slot. The 6-foot-5 wing saw action in three preseason games, including some early minutes in Boston’s first two contests with the team’s regulars.

Harper Jr. joins rookies Max Shulga and Amari Williams as the team’s two-way players to begin the season. The Celtics are not expected to carry more than 14 players on the 15-man roster to begin the year to maintain roster flexibility.

Harper Jr. is the older brother of No. 2 overall pick pick Dylan Harper, who is playing for the Spurs this season. His father, Ron, also won five NBA championships during his career, including three straight with the Bulls.