The Houston Rockets have agreed to sign JD Davison, the 2025 NBA G League Most Valuable Player, following his waiver from the Boston Celtics on July 24. The move was confirmed by NBA insider Chris Haynes.
G League Dominance and Brief NBA Stints
Davison amassed an exceptional performance in the G League with the Maine Celtics, earning MVP honors by averaging 25.1 points, 7.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, while leading Maine to the Eastern Conference finals.Despite his minor role in Boston, appearing in just 36 NBA games over three seasons and averaging 1.9 points in 5.5 minutes per game, he was unable to secure a long-term spot with the Celtics.
Contract Terms: Two‑Way Opportunity
Davison has signed a one-year two‑way contract with the Rockets, marking his final year of eligibility for such a deal. The arrangement allows him to split time between the NBA roster and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G League.
Backcourt Competition in Houston
In Houston, Davison will face significant competition for minutes behind established players such as Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, and Aaron Holiday, while also competing with Isaiah Crawford, another recent two‑way signee.. The Rockets enter training camp with just one of their two-way slots previously occupied, opening pathway for him to earn significant opportunities.
Why This Move Matters
- Reviving a G League MVP: Davison’s outstanding minor‑league successes earn him a fresh shot at NBA rotation minutes in a developmental role with potential to impress.
- Roster Economics and Strategy: A two-way deal allows Houston to evaluate his readiness while maintaining roster flexibility under the salary cap structure.
- Developmental Depth: The Rockets’ growing backcourt depth benefits from Davison’s versatility—he can handle playmaking, defense, and pace-setting in the G League with potential NBA usage if injuries or opportunities arise.
Looking Ahead
Davison must prove himself during Summer League and training camp to earn further chances at the NBA level. For Houston, the bet is on his ability to translate G League dominance into meaningful contributions on both ends of the floor as he competes for a place in the backcourt rotation or proves vital as a depth guard in long stretches of the season.
This move reflects Houston’s continued focus on adding young, high-upside talent via flexible contract structures and monitoring whether the former Alabama standout can make the leap to consistent NBA impact.
