Report: Celtics bring in familiar point guard Dalano Banton on two-year deal

BOSTON — After a season of cap maneuvering, the Boston Celtics have reportedly finalized their roster heading into the playoffs by signing point guard Dalano Banton to a two-year deal, per NBA insider Michael Scotto. This should be a familiar name for Celtics fans, as Boston brought him in on a 10-day contract in late February. They didn't end up re-signing him though, electing to stay under the luxury tax heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Perhaps the C's discussed a potential opening down the line with Banton before he initially departed because the 26-year-old is back in green again. And prior to the 2025-26 campaign, Banton spent the beginning of the 2023-24 season with the Celtics before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers at the deadline.

In 24 games with Boston, Dalano Banton averaged 7.1 minutes and 2.3 points per game.

In seven games with Portland, Banton is averaging 17.6 minutes, 3.4 rebounds, and 10.3 points per game. The extra opportunity has done wonders for a lot of former C’s.

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— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) March 2, 2024 In 3 games for the Celtics this season, Banton averaged just 5 minutes and 2 points per game. He essentially only saw action in garbage time and that will likely continue to be the case in the playoffs, yet the Celtics clearly must have a strong relationship with the versatile guard to repeatedly bring him into the fold. And no matter the size of Banton's role, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla always emphasizes how every member of the Celtics — whether it's the rookies on two-way contracts or the equipment managers — is essential to their operation. "By the time you get to tipoff, there's a thousand moving parts, a bunch of people in the organization," Mazzulla mentioned on Sunday night after the Celtics hammered the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118. "So I think you have to be grateful to them. And you have to be grateful to the players for the work that they put in, and we got to keep going after it." Maybe Banton will get a chance to shine on Sunday afternoon against the Orlando Magic. The 55-26 Celtics have little to play for in their last outing of the regular season and will likely rest multiple starters. Even if Banton sits, he'll still serve as a member of the "Stay Ready" crew that's defined Boston's winning culture since Mazzulla became head coach. "We have 15 guys that can help us win at any point in time," Mazzulla stated. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire:  iTunes:  YouTube:  *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics reportedly round out roster with Dalano Banton signing*