Celtics Waive Reigning G-League MVP In Cost-Cutting Move

The Boston Celtics’ busy start to the 2025 offseason has slowed down in recent weeks, although it hasn’t been for a lack of effort. After striking out on Damian Lillard and Marcus Smart in free agency, the team is reportedly making a push to sign Ben Simmons now.

The C’s did most of their heavy lifting in the early going, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in order to get below the second apron of the NBA’s new salary cap. However, they went back over the second apron after signing Luka Garza and Josh Minott in free agency.

The good news was that, this time around at least, getting back under the second apron would not be nearly as difficult. If the front office wanted to drop below that line, they could simply waive undersized guard JD Davison in order to accomplish that goal.

Well, that’s precisely what the team did on Thursday night, as it was announced they decided to part ways with Davison, who is fresh off winning the 2025 G-League MVP Award after he averaged 25.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in 30 contests with the Maine Celtics.

“We have waived JD Davison,” the Celtics said in a post on X.

Boston selected Davison with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and while he was a standout performer in the G-League, he never could find his footing in Boston. Davison has played just 36 total games in the NBA, as he failed to carve out a role with the Celtics.

Last season, Davison suited up in 16 games with the C’s, averaging 2.1 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.3 rebounds per game while shooting just 35.3% from the field. While he didn’t feature extensively for the team, he did win a ring as part of Boston’s 2024 NBA Finals squad.

By releasing Davison, the Celtics are back under the second apron of the salary cap for the time being. However, more moves appear to be on the horizon, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the release of Davison is simply setting the front office up to make their next big move.