Celtics sign 26-year-old ex-Raptors history-making guard to help Jaylen Brown in playoffs

Mar 22, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket while Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

After the Boston Celtics’ Sunday evening contest against the Orlando Magic concludes, it’ll officially be time for the 18-time NBA champions to turn their attention to the postseason. 

However, the Celtics didn’t wait until the end of the regular season to make a roster move that could pay dividends for them during the playoff run. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Boston signed a 26-year-old ex-Toronto Raptors history-making guard to help Jaylen Brown during the postseason.

“The Boston Celtics and Dalano Banton have agreed to a two-year deal,” Scotto reported on X/Twitter Saturday. "Banton has averaged 6.7 points in 14.3 minutes per game in five NBA seasons with the Raptors, (Portland) Trail Blazers, (Los Angeles) Clippers, and Celtics.”

Banton, who became the first Canadian player to be drafted by a Canadian franchise in 2021 (No. 46 overall pick), hasn’t played a significant role with the Celtics this season. After appearing in two games with the Clippers, Banton signed a 10-day contract with Boston on Feb. 19. 

The Nebraska product contributed only 1.3 points and 0.7 assists in three games with the storied Eastern Conference franchise, shooting 44.4% from the field and refusing to attempt a three-point jumper. 

However, Banton has already proven he can be an effective NBA playmaker who gets paint touches and finishes around the rim despite being a subpar vertical athlete. 

The 6-foot-8 guard is only three seasons removed from a season in which he averaged 16.7 points and 3.6 assists with the Portland Trail Blazers (second half of the year). 

Granted, Banton’s shooting splits weren’t great, but if he can provide the Celtics with serviceable production off the bench when Joe Mazzulla calls his number, he could be a game-changer in the upcoming playoffs.

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