The Boston Celtics officially added to their frontcourt on Friday, signing rookie second-round draft pick Amari Williams to a two-way contract.
The 23-year-old big man was acquired in a draft night trade with the Orlando Magic, along with the 57th overall pick (Max Shulga) and two future second-round picks, in exchange for the 32nd overall pick (Noah Penda).
Williams brings much needed size to the roster, as he’s listed at 6-foot-10.
Boston said goodbye to three centers this offseason, trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks and seeing Luke Kornet sign with the San Antonio Spurs, while free agent Al Horford is almost certainly out of the picture.
Williams played four seasons for Drexel University before transferring to the University of Kentucky for the 2024-25 campaign. Williams adds strong rim protection to the Celtics, as he was a three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year with the Dragons.
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The native of the United Kingdom averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 22.8 minutes across 36 games during his lone season with the Wildcats while shooting 56.1% from the floor.
Williams averaged 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 17.6 minutes per contest during his four games with the Celtics Summer League team as well.
Boston’s 2025-26 roster is beginning to take shape, with Friday’s signing leaves just one spot open on the 15-man roster.
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Williams joins Shulga and RJ Luis Jr. as the two-way players for the Celtics next season. Luis Jr. was acquired in a trade in early August that sent Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz.