Celtics Convert Two-Way Guard John Tonje to Full Roster Spot

Tonje has played for both the Maine Celtics and the Salt Lake City Stars this season.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Boston Celtics will convert two-way guard John Tonje to a full roster spot, according to HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto. Tonje was acquired by the Celtics in a trade that sent veteran forward Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Why it matters

This move helps the Celtics get to the 14-man minimum roster for the next 10 days, as they have also signed guard Dalano Banton to a 10-day deal. However, neither Tonje nor Banton are expected to remain with the Celtics beyond their respective 10-day contracts due to the team's limited spending power under the luxury tax.

The details

Tonje has played for both the Maine Celtics and the Salt Lake City Stars (the Jazz' developmental franchise at the G League level) this season, with the Stars his most recent stop. In total, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and just under a steal per game while shooting 43.7% from the floor overall, 34.8% from beyond the arc, and 90.4% from the free throw line.

  • Tonje was dealt to the Celtics in the trade that sent vet forward Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

John Tonje

A two-way guard who has played for both the Maine Celtics and the Salt Lake City Stars (the Jazz' developmental franchise at the G League level) this season.

Chris Boucher

A veteran forward who was traded from the Celtics to the Utah Jazz ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Dalano Banton

A guard who the Celtics have signed to a 10-day contract.

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What they’re saying

“The Boston Celtics will -- at least for now -- complete their roster with the addition of two way guard John Tonje.”

— Michael Scotto, HoopsHype reporter (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Celtics will have to make more roster moves closer to the end of the 2025-26 NBA regular season to get to at least 14 players to finish their current campaign heading into the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

The takeaway

This move by the Celtics highlights the team's need to manage their roster and spending under the luxury tax, as they look to bolster their depth for a playoff push while also keeping an eye on their long-term financial flexibility.