Boston Celtics Free Agent JD Davison Inks Two-Way Deal With Houston Rockets, Signaling Fresh Opportunity After Strong Summer League and Developmental Growth

The Houston Rockets have signed former Boston Celtics guard JD Davison to a two-way contract, league sources confirmed, providing the promising young playmaker with a new opportunity to continue his NBA development. Davison, a former second-round pick by the Celtics in 2022, now joins a Rockets organization that has prioritized the growth of young talent and dynamic backcourt depth.

The move comes after Davison impressed in Summer League action and steadily developed over two seasons with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate. Despite not earning a regular rotation spot in Boston’s veteran-laden backcourt, Davison showed enough progress to remain on the radar of several NBA teams, ultimately earning a fresh chance in Houston.

JD Davison’s Time in Boston: Flashes of Potential

Davison, a 6-foot-1 point guard out of Alabama, came into the NBA with elite athleticism, quickness, and upside. Drafted 53rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he spent most of his rookie season with the Maine Celtics, where he put together a string of impressive performances that highlighted his ability to distribute the ball, attack the rim, and defend with intensity.

In his second season, Davison continued to lead Maine, averaging over 20 points and 8 assists per game in G League action. He showed noticeable improvements in his three-point shooting and decision-making, while continuing to wow fans with highlight-reel dunks and full-court sprints that showcased his world-class speed.

Though the Celtics had depth at guard with Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard commanding minutes, Davison made spot appearances in Boston’s NBA games, using limited minutes to showcase flashes of his passing vision and quick first step.

Ultimately, however, Boston’s championship aspirations and reliance on veteran contributors left little room for Davison to earn consistent floor time. As the team made moves this offseason to further reinforce the roster, Davison entered free agency with hopes of finding a new home that could offer more developmental opportunities.

A Fit in Houston: Youth, Speed, and Opportunity

For Davison, the Rockets represent a logical next chapter. With a young core that includes Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, Houston is continuing its rebuild with an eye toward player development under head coach Ime Udoka, who notably coached Davison during his rookie season in Boston.

Houston has made it a point to give younger players extended looks, particularly through its G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Davison is expected to split time between the Rockets and the Vipers during the 2025 season, using the two-way contract as a springboard to earn a standard NBA deal.

More importantly, Houston’s guard rotation remains fluid behind starters Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green. With Aaron Holiday, Nate Hinton, and rookie Ryan Dunn battling for depth minutes, Davison has a clear path to compete for playing time and continue honing his skills in a competitive setting.

His strengths—push-ahead tempo, energy on defense, and playmaking instincts—make him an intriguing addition to Houston’s backcourt mix, especially if he can continue to develop consistency with his perimeter shooting.

Summer League Success Raised Eyebrows

Davison’s Summer League performance in July helped re-ignite interest in his potential. In four games with Boston’s squad, he averaged 16.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting a career-best 42% from beyond the arc.

He looked more confident and polished than he did in previous summers, often acting as the Celtics’ floor general while also creating his own shot off the dribble. His athleticism, always a defining trait, remained on full display—he attacked the rim with power and speed and frequently created fast-break opportunities off defensive stops.

More importantly, scouts took note of his improved decision-making in the pick-and-roll and better poise in crunch-time situations. It became clear that Davison had outgrown a purely developmental role in the G League and was ready for an expanded opportunity with a franchise that could offer the reps he needs to grow into a steady NBA contributor.

Rockets’ Development Culture Could Benefit Davison

The Rockets’ two-way contract offer reflects not only a belief in Davison’s talent, but also the organization’s long-term plan to develop guard play in parallel with its more established stars. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers have a strong track record of developing NBA-ready players—including past success stories like Gary Payton II and Danuel House Jr.—and Davison will be given significant minutes to refine his skillset in the Rockets’ system.

Ime Udoka’s presence in Houston may also serve as a bridge for Davison, who respected Udoka’s intensity and defensive-minded coaching style during his early days in Boston. Udoka, known for giving younger players chances to earn roles, may see Davison as a potential backup point guard if he continues to improve.

The two-way deal allows Houston to evaluate Davison in a low-risk manner while giving the 21-year-old guard the chance to prove he belongs at the NBA level full-time.

What Comes Next for JD Davison?

For Davison, the opportunity in Houston marks a critical moment in his young career. Still just 21 years old, he now has the advantage of multiple years of professional experience, a strong G League résumé, and fresh motivation to stick with a team that sees his potential.

His goals are clear: continue improving his three-point shot, tighten up ball security under pressure, and find ways to positively impact games without always needing the ball in his hands. With the Rockets embracing a youth movement and a developmental-first mindset, the table is set for Davison to take the next step.

If he can show consistent playmaking, manage games with composure, and defend aggressively at the point of attack, he may find himself not just contributing to Houston’s rebuild, but earning a spot in its long-term vision.

JD Davison’s signing with the Houston Rockets on a two-way contract represents a smart move for both sides. The Rockets gain an explosive young guard with upside and NBA experience, while Davison lands in a system where he can grow, learn, and potentially earn a bigger role over time.

For Celtics fans, it’s a bittersweet goodbye to a player who showed promise but simply couldn’t find a consistent role on a contending team. For Rockets fans, it’s a chance to watch a gifted athlete try to turn the corner in his career—and possibly emerge as a steal.

As the 2025 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how Davison adjusts to a new system, embraces the opportunity, and positions himself to make a long-term impact in Houston.