The Boston Celtics have come to terms with Maine Red Claws owner and chairman Bill Ryan Jr. to purchase their NBA G-League affiliate outright, per multiple sources.
The deal, subject to final approval by the G-League, would give Boston full control over decisions being made by their G-League team, enabling a deepening of connections between the team in terms of aligning goals for player development.
Said Celtics team president Rich Gotham of the purchase in a press release (via NESN’s Chris Grenham):
“Over the years, the G League and the Red Claws have become increasingly important to the Celtics and our player development efforts. We look forward to deepening both our ties with basketball operations and within the community, and further bringing the Celtics experience to fans in Maine … “
Ryan was supportive of the move for the Red Claws and Celtics alike, stating,
“The Celtics have been great partners with the Red Claws over the last ten seasons. We are thrilled that the Celtics will continue to build on the success we have had in making the Red Claws an important part of the Maine Community … “
No further word from Boston or the Red Claws was available at present, but you can be certain we’ll be hearing a lot more about the Red Claws than usual this season with as many as five players likely to see time with the G-League affiliate this coming season pending the team’s final decisions about its roster.
Should players like Max Strus, Tremont Waters, and especially Tacko Fall stick with the team post-training camp, a stronger developmental relationship between the two organization could not come about at a better time for the Celtics.
