The Boston Celtics didn't take long to decide on John Tonje's contract, at least for the time being. According to NBA Insider Keith Smith, the Celtics decided not to tender a qualifying offer to John Tonje. This opens the door for Tonje to sign with any NBA team, and while it may seem like a negative thing for Tonje, it actually could really open things up for the former Badger star.
Tonje has really gotten the full NBA contract experience so far. He was a second-round pick of the Utah Jazz but was used as part of a salary dump with Boston around the trade deadline. He then finally got some NBA minutes and proved he can play.
His G-League stats also showcased a player on the rise. He then spent time going up and down from the NBA and the G-League with multiple 10-day and two-way contracts. He now knows what it looks like to not get a Celtics qualifying offer, and he can shop the entire NBA. What does it mean exactly, though? Does it mean the Celtics don't want him? Well, not exactly.
The Boston Celtics did not tender qualifying offers to Max Shulga or John Tonje, a league source told @spotrac.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 30, 2026
Both Shulga and Tonje will be unrestricted free agents this offseason.
John Tonje is suddenly free to sign with any NBA team after the Boston Celtics decision
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The reasoning for not submitting a qualifying offer is complex in the NBA, but for Boston and Tonje it most likely means they are thinking through their salary cap/tax management. The roster spot and rights give them a little bit more flexibility while they work through bigger decisions. There is still a chance that Tonje and the Celtics work out a deal, but it will be in equal competition with the rest of the league.
If the Celtics had made Tonje an RFA (Restricted Free Agent), that would have given Boston a chance to match any offer. So, for Tonje, an open free agency may actually bode better for him. He will now be able to shop his services around with all 30 teams. That's a bigger deal than you think when it comes to being a fringe NBA player. Especially one like Tonje, who has shown that with the right opportunity, he can contribute.
In the one game he was given more than mop-up minutes, he played 30 minutes, scored 13 points, with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal. It's not going to blow anyone out of the water, but that's serviceable. Combine it with the fact that he was electric for the Maine Celtics, and things get more interesting. There will be plenty of teams willing to give him another two-way contract and let him perform in the Summer League. Can he get a team to swing an even bigger contract at him?
Tonje can begin that process now that the Celtics decision has been made, so stay tuned to see where the Former Badger ends up, the next opportunity may end up being the perfect one. Don't even be surprised to see the Utah Jazz (his original team) make a play for him.
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