Report: Celtics waive Dalano Banton

Banton, who spent some time with the Celtics on a 10-day contract out of the All-Star break, is returning to Beantown on a two-year deal. The versatile wing has spent most of the 2025-26 season in the G League, appearing in five NBA games for the Clippers and Celtics. With Boston having secured the No. 2 seed on Friday, Banton may absorb some minutes in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Magic.

Banton signed a 10-day deal with the Clippers a few days before the All-Star break and made two appearances for them, totaling less than 10 minutes. Now, he’ll head across the country to Boston, where he’ll be a temporary depth piece in the backcourt .

Banton, who was in training camp with the Mavericks before being waived, will be on his fourth NBA team in five seasons. A second-round pick of the Raptors in 2021, the 6-foot-8 wing most recently appeared in 67 games for the Trail Blazers in 2024-25.

Banton was waived less than two weeks after agreeing to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Mavericks. Dallas’ G League affiliate holds his rights in that league, so if he clears waivers, Banton could remain in Texas, albeit with the Legends. A second-round pick of the Raptors in 2021, Banton played well down the stretch last season as a member of the Trail Blazers.

Banton has spent time with the Raptors, Celtics and most recently the Trail Blazers. It’s unclear what kind of deal he’s signed with the Mavericks, but Banton will likely be competing for a spot on Dallas’ final roster. He provided a spark for the Blazers last season, averaging 16 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 triples across the final seven games of the 2024-25 campaign.

Banton played well as the starting point guard for Portland over their final seven games of the season. During this stretch as a starter, he has scored at least 20 points four times. He was also able to match his season-high of 23 points, which he has done a surprising four times this season without ever scoring more. Banton has benefitted from the absences of Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson, and he is set to be a free agent this summer. He could find a new team where he can be the backup point guard, but it will be difficult for him to find a situation where he can start.

Simons and Henderson will miss Portland’s final game of the season, meaning Dalano Banton will remain in the starting lineup. He should be slotted into lineups in active fantasy leagues due to Portland’s lack of options at point guard. While Simons finished the season as a ninth-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats, Henderson was ranked well outside the top-100 in both. Henderson’s per-game value did improve compared to his rookie season, which is encouraging. But he remains a better option for points leagues than category leagues.

Banton started and played 31 minutes Friday against the Warriors with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson ruled out. The 25-year-old point guard is capable of big games when given the opportunity, but this certainly wasn’t one of those. Banton couldn’t get his shot to fall as he finished with three points on 1-of-12 shooting from the field. Portland finishes up the season Sunday with a matchup against the Lakers. While Banton could be in line for a similar workload, he’s made it difficult to trust him on the final day of the season.

Friday’s game will be the sixth in a row Simons has missed, and the seventh in a row by Henderson. The Trail Blazers have turned to Dalano Banton to take over the starting point guard duties. Despite the efficiency issues, he’s worth rostering in active fantasy leagues due to the opportunity.

Simons will miss his fifth consecutive game with a right forearm strain. Avdija is dealing with a right thumb sprain. Dalano Banton will move into the starting lineup and have a sizable role against the Jazz Wednesday.