The Celtics are trying to thread a needle with their remaining roster spots as they work to stay under the luxury tax line.
After shipping Xavier Tillman Sr., Josh Minott, and Chris Boucher out at the trade deadline, Boston dipped below the NBA’s 14-man roster minimum. League rules mandate that teams carry at least 14 players, though they may be under that number for up to 14 consecutive days and no more than 28 total days over the course of a season. That meant the Celtics had to add two players by Thursday to get back to 14.
As they continue maneuvering around the tax line, ten-day contracts give them flexibility to remain compliant with the roster minimums without going back over the luxury tax. On Thursday, the Celtics signed former Celtic Dalano Banton to a 10-day contract and converted two-way wing John Tonje to a 10-day deal as well.
Banton spent part of the 2023–24 season in Boston, appearing in 24 games before being traded to Portland at the deadline. The 6-foot-9 guard had the best stretch of his career upon arriving in Portland, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 30 games to close that season.\
The 26-year-old, drafted 46th overall in 2021, spent last season with the Trail Blazers, averaging 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 16.7 minutes per game across 67 appearances.
This season, the Nebraska product has spent most of his time in the G League, averaging 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds for the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate. He also signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 8 and appeared in two games, logging 10 total minutes.
Tonje was recently added to Boston’s roster on a two-way contract after being acquired ahead of the trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Boucher and a second-round pick to Utah.
The 24-year-old was selected 53rd overall in the 2025 NBA Draft following a five-year collegiate career at Colorado State (2019–23), Missouri (2023–24), and Wisconsin (2024–25). A 2025 Second Team All-American, Tonje has yet to make his NBA debut.
Prior to arriving in Boston, he spent the season in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars, averaging 18.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals across 30 games. In two games with the Maine Celtics, he totaled 50 points (17-of-40 FG, 5-of-16 3PT), along with 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks.
The Celtics will likely allow both 10-day contracts to expire. Once they do, they can again drop below the 14-man limit for up to 14 consecutive days as they continue managing the tax line down the stretch.
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