Why the Celtics’ surprise move to waive Miles Norris Could Signal a Shocking Shift in Boston’s Final Roster

Shulga was the 57th pick in this year’s draft. Luis Jr., the Big East Player of the Year out of St. John’s, went undrafted in June but latched on with the Jazz in the aftermath.

The Celtics now have one available two-way slot that could be utilized to sign second-round draft pick Amari Williams. The Celtics previously signed fellow second-round pick Max Shulga to a two-way deal, and combined with a recent trade that delivered two-way forward RJ Luis Jr. from Utah, Boston was facing a temporary two-way log jam.

Boston signed Norris in March, and he appeared in three regular-season games. The 25-year-old forward brought an intriguing blend of size (6-foot-10) and shooting ability, but the Celtics were forced to trim after acquiring Luis Jr. from the Jazz as part of the Georges Niang deal last week.

The Boston Celtics made another strategic move Sunday, parting ways with two-way forward Miles Norris, signaling more roster adjustments are underway. With Norris waived, a valuable two-way slot opens up, likely earmarked for second-round draft pick Amari Williams, who’s been turning heads with his promising skill set. Boston’s juggling act intensified recently, thanks to signing Max Shulga and acquiring RJ Luis Jr. from Utah, creating a temporary crunch on two-way contracts. Norris, who joined the Celtics in March and saw limited court time, brought length and shooting touch but was the odd man out following the Georges Niang trade. Meanwhile, Williams, a 6-foot-11 prospect picked 46th in this year’s draft, impressed during Summer League showing a blend of shot-blocking and playmaking that could prove vital as Boston reshapes its frontcourt. The Celtics’ reliance on two-way deals is no secret; it’s a proven tactic to cultivate economical, high-upside talent—think Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta—ready to step up in the 2025-26 grind. Given the offseason departures, these young guns have a genuine shot to shine, with Williams’s role already looking pivotal for depth and future growth. LEARN MORE

The Boston Celtics continued their August roster tinkering Sunday by waiving two-way forward Miles Norris.

With all the departures this offseason, the Celtics could have ample opportunity for younger players to show their potential. Williams, especially with a thinned frontcourt, seems particularly important for depth purposes.

Two-way slots are important as Boston looks to develop young, cost-efficient talent for the back end of the roster. The Celtics have utilized 2-way deals in the past to mold current roster players like Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta, both of whom could see big minutes during the 2025-26 season.

The Celtics selected 6-foot-11 Williams with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 23-year-old big man showed some intriguing potential at NBA Summer League with his blend of playmaking and shot-blocking. Williams must show he can improve as a finisher around the basket at the pro level.