The Boston Celtics have temporarily filled two spots on their roster by signing guards Dalano Banton and John Tonje to 10-day contracts on Thursday. These moves come as the team aims to comply with NBA roster rules while managing salary cap constraints. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype was the first to report both player signings.
Banton’s Recent Performance and Career Journey
Dalano Banton, 26, had just finished a 10-day stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in two games. Earlier this season, Banton played in 24 games for the Celtics, averaging 2.3 points and 7.1 minutes per game before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2024 NBA trade deadline. During his time with Portland, Banton achieved a career-best average of 10.9 points over 97 games spanning one and a half seasons. Afterward, in October 2025, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate.
John Tonje Joins Celtics Following Trade Deadline Acquisition
John Tonje was acquired by Boston from the Utah Jazz as part of a swap that sent Chris Boucher to Utah. Tonje’s return to the Celtics on a 10-day contract adds depth to the team’s backcourt options.
Rationale Behind 10-Day Signings and Roster Management
The short-term contracts for Banton and Tonje will be effective through the end of February, at which point the Celtics must decide whether to offer longer contracts or allow the players to become free agents. NBA rules require teams to maintain a minimum of 14 players on their roster, with a permissible dip below that number lasting no longer than two weeks. This explains why Boston made these signings now, as the franchise balances roster size and luxury tax implications.
Keith Smith of Spotrac explained Boston’s strategy, stating,
“Boston is going to sign another player to a 10 Day deal today, to meet the 14-player roster minimum rules. After that, expect another period with a short roster, as Boston tries to squeeze as many days as possible, while staying under the tax, before filling out the roster to 15.”
— Keith Smith, NBA roster analyst
Implications for the Celtics’ Season Outlook
By intermittently signing players to 10-day contracts, Boston maintains roster flexibility while controlling costs under the luxury tax threshold. This careful maneuvering allows the Celtics to evaluate player fit and manage team chemistry during the crucial latter half of the 2023-24 season. The decisions made at the end of February will be instrumental in shaping Boston’s final roster heading into the playoffs, affecting depth and positional options.
The Boston Celtics plan to sign Dalano Banton to a 10-day deal, sources told @hoopshype. Banton just completed a 10-day deal with the Clippers. The 26-year-old guard has averaged 6.7 points in 14.5 minutes in five seasons combined with the Raptors, Celtics, Blazers, and Clippers. pic.twitter.com/8Sq8FWd2b8
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 19, 2026
Boston is going to sign another player to a 10 Day deal today, to meet the 14-player roster minimum rules.
After that, expect another period with a short roster, as Boston tries to squeeze as many days as possible, while staying under the tax, before filling out the roster to 15. https://t.co/VHmiAnr7YR— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 19, 2026
