Celtics sign Amari Williams

Aug 15, 2025 8:31 PM

The Boston Celtics have officially brought second-round draft pick Amari Williams into the fold, signing him to a two-way contract, according to the NBA’s official transaction log (first noted by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype).

Williams, a versatile 6’11” forward/center, spent his first four collegiate seasons starring at Drexel before transferring to the University of Kentucky for his super-senior year in 2024.

At Kentucky, he was a full-time starter in all 36 games, delivering an impressive all-around performance, averaging 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks in just 22.8 minutes per game – a stat line that underscored his efficiency and ability to impact multiple facets of the game.

The Celtics originally held the No. 32 pick in June’s NBA Draft but opted to trade down, eventually selecting Williams with the 46th overall pick.

At the time, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony reported that Williams was expected to sign a two-way deal with Boston. However, the official signing didn’t happen until weeks later, as the team’s roster situation evolved.

Boston entered the offseason with a busy two-way contract picture. They carried over Miles Norris from last season on a two-year, two-way deal, added 57th overall pick Max Shulga to a similar contract in July, and traded for RJ Luis from the Utah Jazz earlier this month.

To make room for Williams, the Celtics waived Norris, freeing up the final two-way roster spot.

Under his two-way agreement, Williams can earn up to $636,435 if he remains on the deal for the entire season. He’ll be allowed to suit up for a maximum of 50 NBA regular-season games, with the remainder of his time likely spent developing in the G League.

Expect Boston to shuttle him back and forth between the NBA and its G League affiliate to maximize both his growth and roster flexibility.

With Williams now officially signed, the Celtics’ offseason roster stands at 18 players. That includes three two-way players – Williams, Shulga, and Luis – plus 15 standard contracts.

Of those, twelve are fully guaranteed, Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta are on partially guaranteed deals, and Hayden Gray holds an Exhibit 10 contract, which can be converted to a two-way deal or provide a path to the G League.

This move also completes a broader milestone in the league: all top 50 selections from the 2024 NBA Draft are now either under contract for the 2025/26 season or have committed to playing professionally in a non-NBA league, as reflected in the latest transaction tracker.