The Celtics maintained more continuity for their roster next season on Wednesday by agreeing to a new deal with sharpshooting forward Drew Peterson, according to a source. Michael Scotto of Hoopshype was first to report the agreement. The deal comes after Boston already agreed to re-sign Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman in the opening days of free agency.
Peterson, 24, joined the Celtics roster last December on a two-way deal after going undrafted. He played three games for Boston last season, averaging 3.7 points a game during his appearances but was a bright spot for the Maine Celtics in the G-League during their run to the G-League Finals. Peterson led Maine in minutes on the year (35.7) and posted 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game over 34 contests.
The Celtics signaled their interest in retaining Peterson ahead of free agency by making him a qualifying offer. Peterson will take up one of Boston’s three two-way slots. 2024 second-round pick Anton Watson is also expected to sign a two-way deal with Boston. Both players will likely suit up for the Celtics Summer League team in Las Vegas starting next week.
Boston currently has one remaining open slot on the 15-man roster although they can bring in up to 20 players to training camp. The Celtics also have one remaining two-way slot available and have showed interest in bringing back two-way guard JD Davison, who is an unrestricted free agent after spending the last two seasons in Boston. Here’s a look at Boston’s full roster to this point after the opening three days of free agency.
2024-25 projected roster (1 spot open)
Jaylen Brown: $49.7 million
Jayson Tatum: $34.9 million
Jrue Holiday: $30 million
Kristaps Porzingis: $29.2 million
Derrick White: $19.6 million
Al Horford: $9.5 million
Payton Pritchard: $6.7 million
Jaden Springer: $4 million
Luke Kornet: $2.7 million
Xavier Tillman: $2.5 million
Baylor Scheierman: $2.5 million
Neemias Queta: $2.2 million
Sam Hauser: $2.1 million
Jordan Walsh: $1.9 million
Two-way spots (1 open)
Anton Watson, Drew Peterson
Remaining free agents
Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, JD Davison (two-way)