Celtics cut ties with 6-foot-9 former Thunder high-flying forward

Unsurprisingly, the Boston Celtics’ roster looks slightly different since the conclusion of the preseason, as the franchise has done its best to trim down its roster in time for regular-season game No. 1. 

On Saturday, a former Oklahoma City Thunder high-flying forward was one of several assets to get axed by Boston.

“The Boston Celtics waived RJ Luis Jr, Aaron Scott, and Hason Ward, as was expected," Spotrac's Keith Smith reported on X/Twitter. "All three are expected to join the Maine Celtics for the G League season. Celtics carry an open standard roster spot into the regular season.”

Ward, a three-year contributor at VCU and two-year contributor at Iowa State, joined the Sacramento Kings for Summer League in 2024 after a disappointing NBA Draft. 

Months later, Ward signed a deal with Boston but was quickly released to make it possible for him to join the franchise’s G-League affiliate.

The Saint Thomas, Barbados native appeared in 34 G-League contests with the Celtics as a rookie, averaging 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 67.7% from the field. 

Ward spent this past summer with the Thunder, contributing 5.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game on 71.4% field goal shooting in the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas.

Ward’s above-the-rim athleticism will continue to make him an enticing young player. However, until the 25-year-old develops the rest of his game, it’ll be challenging for him to experience a breakout season in the big leagues.

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