Shams: John Tonje to sign two-way deal with POR

Tonje, who spent time with the Celtics last season on a 10-day contract, is competing in summer league as an unrestricted free agent. Boston has filled only one of its three two-way contract slots, so it’s conceivable that Tonje is competing for one of the two remaining deals. If so, Friday’s performance was a step in the right direction, as he shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Tonje’s status won’t affect fantasy basketball next season, especially with Boston’s current roster boasting plenty of depth on the perimeter.

Tonje was dealt to the Celtics as part of the deadline deal that sent Chris Boucher to Utah. He signed a two-way deal with the Jazz in August after they selected him with the 53rd pick in the draft. The former Wisconsin standout is a proven scorer and will be a solid temporary depth piece for Boston.

Tonje was the 53rd overall pick in June’s draft, so the two-way contract was a predictable outcome for the former Wisconsin standout. He joins holdovers Oscar Tshiebwe and Elijah Harkless as players on two-way deals with the Jazz. Given Utah’s depth on the wings, Tonje will likely see most of his playing time in the G League, at least early in the season.

After shining in his summer league debut on July 14, Tonje’s production was a bit uneven. And he struggled mightily in Friday’s finale, shooting 0-of-6 from beyond the arc. How the 53rd overall pick in last month’s draft fits into the Jazz roster is something to watch, as he has not agreed to a contract. Utah has one standard contract slot and one two-way slot available. Utah has a lot of young forwards, which further complicates things for Tonje ahead of training camp.

After missing time with a sprained right ankle, Tonje made his summer league debut on Monday. And the efficient scoring that made him one of the best wings in college basketball last season was on display, with the second-round pick shooting over 50 percent from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Utah has a lot of questions to answer regarding its young wings, which may result in Tonje receiving immediate opportunities to prove himself once training camp begins. He isn’t a must-draft player, but dynasty league managers should keep an eye on the former Wisconsin standout, especially as Cody Williams continues to struggle.

Due to COVID-19 rules and a missed season due to a foot injury, Tonje earned six years of collegiate eligibility. After four years at Colorado State, he played for Missouri and finally for Wisconsin. Tonje broke out with the Badgers, posting 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.3 triples while posting efficient 47/39/91 shooting splits, At 24 years old, the 6’5, 212 pound Tonje is one of the oldest prospects in the 2025 draft class, but he can be a valuable 3-and-D wing at the next level. From a physicality standpoint, Tonje is a pro-ready player. With the Jazz rebuilding, there may be a chance for the former Wisconsin standout to earn opportunities, especially with 2024 lottery pick Cody Williams underwhelming as a rookie.