When the Boston Celtics traded for John Tonje in a deal that felt like it had the potential of being a throwaway trade, there was concern for Tonje's NBA future. Then, when the Celtics signed a 10-day contract with Tonje, that felt like good news, but when it was discovered that Boston did not do it because Tonje had two great games with Maine, but because he saved them a luxury tax, it felt ominous.
There were some speculating that Tonje would get cut after the 10-day contract expired on March 1, or even that Tonje would sign another 10-day contract, which would only prolong the chance to be cut. However, good news came from the Celtics today that they have signed Tonje back to a two-way contract.
We have signed John Tonje to a two-way contract ☘️ pic.twitter.com/7KeEGX7N1H
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 1, 2026
John Tonje and the Boston Celtics have agreed on a two-way contract
Why is this good news and not another NBA deal, even if it's just for 10-days? Well, there actually isn't playing time for Tonje right now on the Celtics and a 10-day contract, in the way that the Celtics did it, didn't really mean anything. A two-way contract, however, means a lot. The Celtics want to put him back on a two-way contract, which means they believe in him as a long-term piece to their NBA franchise at best, and at worst, they still think he's got a chance to develop.
This also means he can come and go with the Celtics as needed. He will most likely play for the Maine Celtics, and that's more good news. Sitting on the bench isn't helping him as much as being in Maine and working on his development with a plan in place from Boston to grow and get better.
Tonje made his NBA debut last week, and he basically went in and came out a minute later. Then, a few days ago, he got into the game and was able to play for five minutes in garbage time. In that time, he scored two points (free throws), grabbed a couple of rebounds, and had an assist.