The Boston Celtics have solidified their roster for the upcoming season, officially signing promising guard Max Shulga to a Two-Way Contract, a strategic move following his selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. This Player Signing signals the team’s commitment to developing talent and enhancing their depth for a competitive NBA season.
Shulga, the No. 57 overall pick, joined the Boston Celtics via a significant draft-night trade with the Orlando Magic. This transaction saw Boston deal away their No. 32 overall pick, acquiring in return four future second-round picks, including both the No. 46 and No. 57 selections. This intricate maneuvering underscored the Celtics Roster long-term planning and asset accumulation strategy.
Reports from NBA insiders, notably Jonathan Givony, had already indicated before the official Player Signing that Shulga was a strong candidate for a Two-Way Contract. This foresight highlights the transparency and widespread knowledge within the league regarding team intentions and prospect evaluations, ensuring a smooth transition for Max Shulga.
The 6-foot-4 guard brings a wealth of collegiate experience to Boston Celtics, having honed his skills for three seasons at Utah State before making a significant transfer for his final two years to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). His journey through collegiate basketball showcases adaptability and consistent performance at different competitive levels within the college NBA pipeline.
During his senior season at VCU, Max Shulga delivered an impressive statistical output, averaging 15.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His efficiency from beyond the arc was also notable, shooting 39.2 percent from three-point range. These strong numbers were instrumental in him being named Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year and leading VCU to a coveted tournament berth, solidifying his appeal for an NBA team.
Max Shulga’s initial taste of NBA action came during the Summer League in Las Vegas, where he participated in five games for the Summer League Celtics. Despite averaging 5.0 points and 3.8 assists in 21 minutes per game as Boston compiled a 4-1 record, he faced challenges with his shooting efficiency, recording just 24.1 percent from the field. However, his defensive prowess was evident, averaging 1.8 steals per game.
The Boston Celtics are also anticipated to formalize a Two-Way Contract with their other second-round pick, Amari Williams, whom they drafted at No. 46 overall in the NBA Draft. With Max Shulga, Williams, and Miles Norris all projected to fill Boston’s three two-way roster slots, the team is strategically building a developmental pipeline for future talent on the Celtics Roster.
A Two-Way Contract provides a pathway for emerging talent to gain valuable NBA experience. These players are eligible to participate in up to 50 regular season games. Importantly for the Boston Celtics, Max Shulga’s $636,435 contract does not count against their salary cap, a critical consideration given Boston is currently estimated to be $17 million over the luxury tax line for the upcoming season, especially after the recent release of JD Davison.
Max Shulga’s addition further solidifies the Boston Celtics’ backcourt depth. He is expected to slot in behind established guards such as Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and newly acquired Anfernee Simons, providing valuable support and competition in the guard rotation. This Player Signing reflects Boston’s ongoing efforts to enhance their squad across all positions for future NBA challenges.
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