The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 NBA championship, are doubling down on their quest for another banner in the 2025-26 season with a savvy addition to their roster. On Friday, the storied franchise reportedly signed former Phoenix Suns prospect Jalen Bridges, a 6-foot-8 forward with a sharpshooting touch and two-way tenacity, to bolster their wing depth in the wake of Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury during the 2025 postseason.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, who broke the news via Twitter/X, “The Boston Celtics and Jalen Bridges have agreed to a deal, league sources told HoopsHype. Bridges will compete for a two-way spot in training camp.” The 24-year-old, who spent last season on a two-way contract with the Suns, now has a golden opportunity to carve out a role alongside 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and help keep Boston’s championship aspirations alive.
Bridges’ NBA experience with Phoenix was limited, appearing in just eight games during the 2024-25 season and averaging a modest 1.1 points on 28.6% shooting. However, his time with the Suns’ G-League affiliate, the Valley Suns, told a far more compelling story. In 31 games, Bridges showcased his potential as a dynamic wing, posting 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while draining 38.6% of his 6.9 three-point attempts. His performance in the G-League’s Tip-Off Tournament was even more impressive, with Bridges elevating his scoring to 16.2 points per game and boosting his three-point accuracy to an eye-popping 39.7% on 7.8 attempts.
At 6-foot-8, Bridges brings the kind of size, versatility, and shooting prowess that perfectly aligns with Boston’s system, which thrives on switchable defenders and reliable perimeter shooting. His ability to stretch the floor with a consistent long-range stroke and hold his own defensively makes him an intriguing fit for a Celtics squad looking to reload around Brown. With Tatum sidelined, Bridges’ two-way skill set could provide the spark Boston needs to maintain their elite wing rotation.
As Bridges heads to training camp to compete for a two-way contract, the former Baylor standout has a chance to prove he’s more than just a G-League gem. For a Celtics team chasing another title, this under-the-radar signing could be the x-factor that keeps their championship dreams electrified.