Boston Celtics Waive Dalano Banton

Roster Moves and Tax Planning

Brad Stevens, Boston’s President of Basketball Operations, prefers to start the regular season with an open roster spot. The team officially waived forward Dalano Banton to drop from 15 to 14 players, a move that kept the franchise $1.7 million under the tax line. By shedding salary now, the Celtics reset the dreaded repeater tax for the 2027‑28 season. Owner Bill Chisholm has said the organization will spend when the right opportunity arises, giving the front office flexibility to act later.

Banton, a 26‑year‑old who contributed during the first half of the 2023‑24 campaign, is now a free agent. The waiver clears a path for him to sign with another club in time for the Las Vegas Summer League. This summer showcase could serve as his proving ground for a roster spot elsewhere.

Celtics’ Strategic Outlook

Stevens indicated the team is still evaluating its options. “We’re looking,” he said when asked about upcoming moves, “we’re open, and we’ll be open.” He added that the current group is one the front office likes, though there may be room to add talent later. The Celtics’ goal appears to be balancing tax avoidance with building a championship‑contender roster.

Chisholm addressed the franchise’s spending philosophy during a press conference. “When we have the opportunity, we’re going to do that,” he told reporters, emphasizing the need to prove competitiveness. Their mandate, he stressed, is to win, and they are prepared to spend whatever it takes to fulfill that mission.

Fan Reaction and Winning Mandate

Should the Celtics hold off on significant spending next year, Boston fans could voice disappointment. The fanbase has grown weary of profit‑driven ownership, a sentiment echoed in past criticism of John Henry’s tenure. The organization understands the pressure to deliver on‑court success.

“The mandate is to win, and I just have to keep saying that,” Chisholm reiterated. He signaled that financial commitments will follow the imperative to build a contenders’ roster. For now, the focus remains on staying under the tax threshold while keeping a flexible payroll for future upgrades.