Celtics Waive Forward Miles Norris: A Deeper Look at the Move

In a notable offseason development, the Boston Celtics have waived 25-year-old forward Miles Norris, who was on a two-way contract with the team. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown exploring the “what,” “why,” and implications of this roster decision, structured into clear sections for clarity.

Player Profile and NFL Debut

Miles Norris, standing around 6-foot-10, made his NBA debut this past season after signing a two-way deal with Boston in March 2025. Across three appearances for the Celtics, he averaged:

• 2.3 points per game
• 3.0 rebounds per game
• 0.7 steals per game
  

Prior to joining Boston, Norris went undrafted in 2023 and initially signed a two-way deal with Atlanta, where he did not feature in an NBA game and spent time with the G League’s College Park Skyhawks. In 2024, he had a brief stint in Turkey with Çağdaş Bodrumspor, followed by a return to the U.S. on a Memphis Grizzlies two-way deal—during which he posted 17.1 points per game and a 39.3% three-point shooting rate in 22 G League games.

Performance Highlights and Weak Spots

During his time with Maine, Boston’s G League affiliate, Norris averaged 14.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. However, his performance at this year’s Summer League was underwhelming, with just 9.3 points per game on 36.8% shooting (including a 25% clip from three), raising concerns about his consistency and offensive efficiency.

Roster Strategy & Two-Way Dynamics

Celtics management has strategically maneuvered their roster to accommodate new talent:

1. Acquisition of RJ Luis from the Utah Jazz, who occupies another two-way contract spot.
2. Max Shulga is already signed as a two-way player.
3. Amari Williams, selected 46th overall in this year’s draft, is poised to be added once officially signed.

With the NBA’s limit of only three two-way contracts per team, Norris had become expendable to make room for Williams and fit within roster constraints.

Broader Context: Celtics’ Offseason Moves

This move is part of a broader flurry of roster optimization by Boston:

• Earlier, they traded Georges Niang and two second-round picks to Utah in exchange for RJ Luis.
• Veteran forward Chris Boucher was signed to a standard deal.
• Max Shulga was added via a two-way slot.
• Now, with Norris waived, Boston clears a pathway to bring in Amari Williams, who could play a unique role depending on how the two-way roster is finalized.

What Lies Ahead

• For Miles Norris: He’ll now explore options elsewhere. His size, versatility, and G League success may attract interest from teams seeking developmental depth.
• For the Celtics: The waiver opens space for Amari Williams or another two-way or training camp prospect. The team seems to be balancing immediate needs with long-term flexibility.
• Roster Outlook: The Celtics are clearly prioritizing a balance of youth, upside, and roster cap management as they position themselves for the 2025-26 season.

Summary at a Glance