The Boston Celtics are wasting no time shaking things up as they gear up for training camp. In a bold and unexpected move, the team has waived rookie guard Hayden Gray, a promising talent who went undrafted out of the University of California at San Diego. But don’t count Gray out just yet—his journey with the Celtics organization is far from over.
According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, Gray, who was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract, has been cut from the main roster but is set to join Boston’s G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, on an affiliate deal for the 2025-26 season. This transition could prove to be a golden opportunity for the young guard. Players on Exhibit 10 deals who are waived and then spend at least 60 days with their team’s G League squad become eligible for bonuses of up to $85,300—a significant incentive for Gray to make his mark in Maine.
While Gray’s departure is a surprise, it leaves Boston with three remaining Exhibit 10 signings as they head into camp: swingman Ron Harper Jr., small forward Jalen Bridges, and shooting guard/small forward Kendall Brown. These players will be fighting for their chance to shine, with the potential to climb the ranks in a roster brimming with opportunity.
The Celtics’ roster is a fascinating puzzle, with several moving parts that could shape the team’s future. Boston’s three two-way contract slots are currently occupied by rookie draft picks: shooting guard Max Shulga, wing RJ Luis Jr., and center Amari Williams. However, the door to a standard NBA contract isn’t fully closed for these players—or even for the Exhibit 10 signings.
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Two players on Boston’s 15-man standard roster, small forward Jordan Walsh and center Neemias Queta, are on partially guaranteed deals, leaving room for roster shakeups. Queta, a 26-year-old big man, is in prime position to compete for the starting center role alongside free agent signings Chris Boucher and Luka Garza. Boucher, with his athleticism and versatility, could also vie for minutes at power forward, adding intrigue to the frontcourt battle. Queta’s strong play makes it highly likely that his contract will be fully guaranteed, solidifying his spot on the roster.
Meanwhile, Walsh, a homegrown talent, has a golden opportunity to carve out real rotation minutes during what’s shaping up to be a “gap year” for the Celtics, with six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum absent. His performance in camp could determine whether he locks down a permanent role or opens the door for an Exhibit 10 player to rise.
While rare, there’s a potential path for an Exhibit 10 signing to make a dramatic leap. In theory, one of these players could be promoted to a two-way contract and, from there, elevated to a standard NBA deal. Such a trajectory would be a Cinderella story, but it’s not out of the question given Boston’s fluid roster situation. Harper, Bridges, or Brown could seize the moment in training camp, catching the eye of the coaching staff and earning a bigger role.
As for Hayden Gray, his time with the Maine Celtics could be a launching pad. A strong showing in the G League might put him back on Boston’s radar for a two-way slot or even a 10-day contract down the line. For now, though, the Celtics’ first offseason move has sent a clear message: no spot on this roster is guaranteed, and every player must prove their worth.