Ex-Celtics champion signs new deal with Eastern Conference team

8 hours ago 1

The Boston Celtics are losing another member of their 2023-24 championship roster after declining to extend him a qualifying offer this offseason. 

Forward Drew Peterson, who spent the past two seasons with Boston on a two-way contract, will join the Charlotte Hornets on a two-way pact in the 2025-26 campaign, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He’ll reunite with former Celtics assistant and current Hornets head coach Charles Lee in Charlotte. 

Peterson spent most of his first year with the Celtics’ G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, appearing in just three games for the parent club. However, the 25-year-old saw increased NBA action last season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 39.4 percent from three-point range in 7.4 minutes per game across 25 appearances. 

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The USC product was a featured player for Maine in 2024-25, averaging 17.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 3.2 three-pointers and 1.4 steals in 32.5 minutes per game over 26 G League appearances. 

A talented three-point shooter dating back to his collegiate days, Peterson will look to impress his new organization and potentially earn a standard contract. 

The Hornets were riddled with injuries last season, finishing with a 19-63 record in Lee’s first year as the head coach. 

Still, Peterson will likely spend significant time in the G League, as the club will likely prioritize minutes for its young forwards, including Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley, and Tidjane Salaun. Charlotte also has established options and depth in the frontcourt, though it wouldn’t be surprising to see Peterson get a look if injuries arise.

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