Anton Watson has found a new home just two days after the Celtics released the two-way rookie from his deal. A source confirmed to MassLive that the New York Knicks claimed Watson on waivers Tuesday. Shams Charania of ESPN.com was first to report the move.
Watson, 24, was drafted at No. 54 in the 2024 NBA Draft by Boston and was signed to a two-way contract in August. However, the team released him on Sunday in order to make room to sign forward Miles Norris to a two-way contract. That deal with Norris runs through the 2025-26 season according to a league source.
Watson spent the majority of his season playing with the Maine Celtics, posting 12.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game over 21 games. Boston’s front office was optimistic about Watson improving as an shooter in the league but Watson struggled with his outside shoot in the G-League, knocking down 30.8 percent of his 3-point shots this season.
The Knicks had a pair of open two-way slots they filled this week with new deals. In addition to Watson, the team signed MarJon Beauchamp to a two-way contract after he was released by the Clippers on Saturday. Former Celtics wing Matt Ryan was released by the Knicks along with Jacob Toppin to open up the spots to bring aboard Watson and Beauchamp.
The Celtics letting Watson go on Sunday before the March 4th NBA deadline for teams to sign two-way players enabled Watson to find a new home this season. Several teams around the league have been active in the past few days with signing players to fill any available two-way spots.
Boston’s new two-way forward Miles Norris made his debut at Celtics practice on Tuesday.
“I’m excited,” Norris said. “I love the city of Boston. I’ve been here a couple of times. I’ll get used to do the cold weather, though, I’m a California guy. So I gotta get used to the cold. I love it out here so far, I love the people, the coaching staff, the whole organization.”
