Ex-Celtics Forward Lands New NBA Contract, Delivers Solid Debut

Oshae Brissett underwent a rigorous multi-month free agency after turning down his $2.5 million player option with the Boston Celtics.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make, and the aftermath proved to be even more challenging for Brissett. The 26-year-old bet on himself immediately after helping the Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals. Brissett knew that, much like his debut run in Boston, playing time would come sporadically, so rather than return for a chance to repeat, he instead elected to test out the open market.

Brissett, over eight months after declining a re-run with the Celtics, found his next NBA landing spot in the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a 10-day contract. The opportunity arose amid Brissett’s 11-game stint with the Long Island Nets — the G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets — since January. He was averaging 12.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 34.5% from the field and 26.5% from 3-point range before Philadelphia reached out.

The destination also placed Brissett in a low-pressure environment filled with sunken expectations and hopes to compete for a championship. Brissett also gets the chance to play alongside fellow ex-Celtics team members in Guerschon Yabusele and Lonnie Walker IV, both of whom could attest to the challenges of netting an NBA roster spot. Yabusele spent five years overseas before returning to the NBA, and Walker began the season playing in Lithuania after getting cut by the Celtics after the preseason.

Brissett didn’t go the overseas route but did remain active. He stayed in shape through regularly scheduled workout routines and practice runs, sometimes even documenting the training regimen on his “BrissyTV” YouTube channel. Often, Brissett would use the platform to connect with fans and keep everyone updated. He’d even open up occasionally about the frustrations free agency presented.

“It has not been easy,” Brissett said during a January vlog. “I watch these games. I sit back and watch the big games all day. One, cause I’m a big fan of basketball. But two, I want to see where I can fit in and how I can help and I see it. I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m better than that guy. I’m better than that guy.’ I have confidence in myself knowing that if I get the chance I can go out there and do it. So it’s tough. It’s tough seeing it but I can’t give up.”

The emotions of struggling to get back on the floor restrained Brissett from joining the Celtics for their Banner Night celebration in October — even though he had a hand in helping the franchise achieve that feat.

Brissett’s resilience came rewarded, and now, with a 22-44 Sixers team, he can continue to work toward building his stock value. Philadelphia isn’t going anywhere as co-stars Joel Embiid and Paul George tag-teamed to let the entire city down this season, leaving Tyrese Maxey stranded. The franchise is in turmoil, giving Brissett an outlet to showcase himself, even if the Sixers don’t extend on their flier offer.

Philadelphia gave Brissett his first opportunity to get started on doing just that during Friday night’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Brissett scored 14 points across 23 minutes off the bench, shooting 5-of-8 from the field along with a rebound, steal and block to log a plus-10 rating.

Boston’s championship team members reunited with Brissett during their White House visit back in November. Brissett was unsigned at the time but remained optimistic all the while and seized the opportunity to put aside his mental stress and catch up with his former teammates in Washington.

Immediately after hearing the news about Brissett’s new contract, Jayson Tatum expressed his joy and excitement for the newest Sixer.

“Me and Briss, we talk often. That’s my brother,” Tatum told reporters Friday night, per CLNS Media. “Happy for him. Definitely deserves to be in the league, so hopefully he finds a home — even if it’s in Philadelphia.”

Since the Celtics and Sixers concluded their regular-season series, Boston won’t get a chance to compete against Brissett for the remainder of this season.