The Celtics appear to have finalized their roster ahead of their title defense, meeting the NBA’s minimum of 14 players on standard contracts. They have one remaining spot, likely left vacant for flexibility and to avoid increasing their $205 million payroll.
Boston is set to exceed the second apron for the second consecutive season, with payroll and tax payments estimated at roughly $515.4 million for the 2025-26 team.
Despite signing their second-round pick, Anton Watson, to a two-way deal, filling their final opening of that nature, the Celtics continue to seek talent to enhance their training camp roster and G League team in Maine.
As reported by Bobby Manning of the Boston Sports Journal, the reigning NBA champions are bringing back Jay Scrubb on an Exhibit 10 contract. The six-foot-five guard impressed during the 2023 Summer League, averaging 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 0.8 blocks per game, and shooting 40 percent from three-point range on 4.0 attempts per game.
Scrubb’s performance earned him a two-way deal with the Celtics, but he tore his right ACL during practice in early October, ending his season prematurely. The three-year veteran, who has played with the Clippers and Magic, told Manning he’s 80 percent recovered and will sign his training camp deal with the Celtics once he’s cleared to play.
