Celtics set to bring Ron Harper Jr. back on $9 million contract

The Boston Celtics are retaining one of their young depth pieces ahead of NBA free agency, with Ron Harper Jr. reportedly set to return on a new three-year contract.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Harper intends to sign a three-year, $9 million deal to remain in Boston after the team declined his existing option.

“Boston Celtics G/F Ron Harper Jr. intends to sign a new three-year, $9 million deal to return to the franchise, sources tell ESPN. The Celtics are declining Harper’s $2.6M team option, clearing the way for the sides to commit on a longer deal.”

The move gives Boston additional cost certainty while rewarding Harper after the most productive season of his NBA career. The 26-year-old appeared in 29 games, including three starts, averaging 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range in 11 minutes per game.

Harper joined the Celtics after previous stops with the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons. His increased role during the 2025-26 campaign helped establish him as a reliable depth option capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.

Celtics retain Ron Harper Jr. as Jaylen Brown trade rumors continue

The signing comes during an eventful offseason for Boston. The Celtics have made former NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown available in trade discussions, with the Portland Trail Blazers emerging as one of the teams reportedly showing serious interest. While Brown’s future remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the franchise, Boston has continued making moves to solidify the rest of its roster ahead of free agency.

Instead, Boston has begun its offseason by keeping part of its supporting cast intact. Harper’s new deal provides continuity for a team looking to rebound after finishing 56-26 and earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference before suffering a stunning first-round exit to the Philadelphia 76ers after blowing a 3-1 series lead.

With free agency set to begin Tuesday, the Celtics have taken an early step toward maintaining roster depth while larger questions surrounding the team’s offseason plans continue to generate league-wide attention.

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