The Boston Celtics have reached an agreement with forward Amari Williams on a two-year, $2.7 million contract, securing his place with the team as of early February 2026. This new deal follows Williams’s rookie season, highlighting the organization’s belief in his potential contributions moving forward.
College Career Highlights and Development
Williams, 24, began his collegiate basketball career at Drexel University, quickly establishing himself as one of the top defenders in the Colonial Athletic Association. From 2021 to 2025, he earned the CAA Defensive Player of the Year award twice and regularly led in blocks, while improving his scoring and rebounding figures. His peak statistics at Drexel include 13.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season.
In 2024-25, Williams transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he was a consistent starter in all 36 games. His averages of 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, along with a 56.1% field-goal percentage, demonstrated a mature and versatile game. Notably, he recorded 10 double-doubles and achieved a rare triple-double against Ole Miss, showcasing skills across multiple statistical categories such as points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
Transition to the NBA and Early Contributions
Williams was selected 46th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic but was traded to the Boston Celtics. He initially signed a two-way contract, dividing his playing time between the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. During his rookie season, Williams appeared in 13 NBA games, starting twice and averaging 1.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks over 8.2 minutes per game.
Some of his notable performances include a nine-point, seven-rebound game against Portland on January 26 and participation in a contest versus Milwaukee on February 1. His G League play has been particularly impressive, highlighted by multiple double-doubles and a near triple-double with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, including a game-winning basket in overtime against Sioux Falls on February 4.
Implications of Williams’s Contract and Future Outlook
By extending Amari Williams’s stay with the Celtics on this two-year agreement, Boston is investing in a young player with demonstrated defensive prowess and steady improvement. Williams’s versatility and work ethic suggest he could become a valuable rotational player capable of impacting both ends of the court. The contract signals a vote of confidence in his development after a promising rookie campaign split between the NBA and G League.
Amari Williams has agreed to a two-year, $2.7 million deal with the Celtics, per @TheSteinLine.Williams was a second-round pick in last year’s NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/dto74LmbSO
?Yahoo Sports
Amari Williams has agreed to a two-year, $2.7 million deal with the Celtics, per @TheSteinLine.
Williams was a second-round pick in last year's NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/dto74LmbSO
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 5, 2026
