Celtics Officially Sign 24-Year-Old Former Jazz Guard To Two-Way Contract

Celtics Officially Sign 24-Year-Old Former Jazz Guard To Two-Way Contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics announced on Sunday that they have signed 24-year-old guard John Tonje 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

Tonje's pro basketball journey is just beginning. After playing four seasons at Colorado State (2019-2023), where he contributed to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022 and averaged 14.6 points per game as a senior, he transferred briefly to Missouri before landing at Wisconsin for his final collegiate year in 2024-25.

That season proved transformative: as a sixth-year player, Tonje averaged 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 37 games, earning consensus Second Team All-American honors, unanimous First Team All-Big Ten recognition, and Naismith Player of the Year semifinalist status.

He set Wisconsin records for single-season free throws made (231) and free-throw percentage (90.9%), while posting standout performances like 41 points against Arizona and multiple 30+ point games against top-ranked Big Ten foes.

Selected 53rd overall (second round) by the Utah Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft, Tonje signed a two-way contract and began his professional career with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League.

On February 5, 2026, he was traded to the Celtics in a deal involving Chris Boucher. After time with the Maine Celtics affiliate, Boston converted his deal to a 10-day NBA contract on February 19. He made his NBA debut on February 24 against Phoenix, then scored his first league points (2), added rebounds and an assist against Brooklyn on February 27.

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