The Boston Celtics are addressing immediate backcourt depth by signing guard Dalano Banton to a 10-day contract, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Banton, 26, previously suited up for Boston during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 24 games.
“The Boston Celtics plan to sign Dalano Banton to a 10-day deal, sources told @hoopshype,” Scotto reported. “Banton just completed a 10-day deal with the Clippers. The 26-year-old guard has averaged 6.7 points in 14.5 minutes in five seasons combined with the Raptors, Celtics, Blazers, and Clippers.”
In his prior stint with Boston, Banton averaged 2.3 points and 1.5 assists per game in limited minutes. Since departing, he has played for the Portland Trail Blazers (67 games last season: 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, 2.0 rebounds in 16.7 MPG) and most recently the LA Clippers on a 10-day deal.
The addition provides guard insurance after the Celtics traded Anfernee Simons in the deal that brought in Nikola Vucevic. Boston currently has only 13 players under standard contract. NBA rules allow teams to dip below 14 players for a maximum of 28 days total per season (and no more than 14 consecutive days). Signing Banton pauses that clock for the next 10 days and buys time.
Celtics Likely to Add Another 10-Day or Two-Way Deal Today
Per Yossi Gozlan of the “Third Apron” Substack, Boston must add two players by the end of February 19 to satisfy minimum roster requirements after being short-handed for two weeks.
“The Boston Celtics must sign two players today after having fewer than 14 for two weeks,” Gozlan wrote on X. “Two 10-day contracts, including one for one of their two-way rookies, would help them remain under the luxury tax line while fulfilling minimum roster requirements at the end of the season.”
The strategy is deliberate: by using short-term 10-day deals, the Celtics minimize pro-rated salary hits and stay flexible under the luxury tax apron. They are essentially treading water until the pro-rated minimum becomes cheap enough to sign players to longer short-term deals without pushing over the tax line.
Tatum Decision Still Looming Large
While roster math and depth are critical, the biggest X-factor for Boston remains Jayson Tatum and his potential in-season return from Achilles injury.
In a recent “NBA Today” segment on ESPN, Ramona Shelburne reported Tatum remains undecided:
“I know everybody has seen that game got flexed to that spot on NBC on prime time. There’s a documentary that an NBC affiliate has been doing. There are connecting dots. But, I checked in with Jayson Tatum, and he said, ‘I’ve still not made a decision on whether or not I’m coming back this year.’”
Brad Stevens and the front office are wisely staying patient. If Tatum does return — even for a limited late-season stint — the Celtics instantly gain an All-NBA, All-Star talent who transforms their ceiling. Until then, moves like Banton provide low-risk insurance.
Banton has a chance to impress and potentially earn a longer look. He already knows he can contribute off the bench in Boston’s system.
Celtics fans: Smart depth move or just roster filler? Excited for Banton’s potential impact? Most importantly — do you think Tatum comes back this season? Comment below and share if you’re tracking every roster update!