Boston Celtics Waive Recently-Crowned G League MVP JD Davison, Surprising Move Signals Roster Shift Ahead of 2025 NBA Title Defense

In a surprising offseason move, the Boston Celtics have officially waived point guard JD Davison, the recently-crowned NBA G League MVP. The decision has stunned many within the NBA community, given Davison’s rapid growth and dominant G League performance in the 2024-25 season. As the Celtics prepare to defend their NBA championship, this roster decision highlights the team’s commitment to reshaping their bench with more experienced, immediate-impact contributors.

A Shocking Departure

JD Davison, just 22 years old, had arguably his best professional season in 2024-25. Playing for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate, Davison averaged 21.7 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. He led the team to a G League Finals appearance and was unanimously named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

Many assumed Davison’s performance had positioned him for a significant role with the Celtics’ main roster in 2025-26. Instead, Boston’s front office opted to cut ties, opening up speculation about roster direction, offseason targets, and the team’s priorities heading into training camp.

Brad Stevens Explains the Move

Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens addressed the media shortly after the announcement. While acknowledging Davison’s achievements and growth, Stevens explained the difficult decision was based on the team’s current needs.

“JD has done everything we asked of him,” Stevens said. “He’s grown tremendously and deserves recognition for what he accomplished in Maine. But as we continue building around our core, we felt it necessary to bring in veteran depth and versatility at that position. We’re thankful for JD’s contributions and wish him nothing but the best.”

Stevens’ comments suggest the Celtics are leaning toward experience over potential, a strategic pivot often seen with teams trying to extend a championship window.

Depth Chart Implications

Davison’s release thins the Celtics’ backcourt depth, particularly behind All-NBA guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. However, sources close to the organization suggest Boston is targeting veteran free agents or trade options who can offer more size, defense, and postseason experience.

Some rumored options include:

• Delon Wright – A defensive-minded combo guard with playoff experience.

• Tyus Jones – One of the league’s most efficient backup point guards.

• Monte Morris – Known for high assist-to-turnover ratios and floor leadership.

It’s also possible that the Celtics could look internationally or to a two-way contract player already in their pipeline.

Why JD Davison Didn’t Stick

Despite his G League dominance, Davison struggled to translate his game to the NBA level. In 28 total appearances over three seasons with Boston, he averaged just 2.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 rebounds per game. He often looked tentative in half-court sets and failed to distinguish himself defensively against elite NBA guards.

Additionally, while his athleticism and speed are unquestioned, scouts noted a lack of polish in his shot creation and decision-making at the NBA pace. For a Celtics team in win-now mode, patience for development has naturally shortened.

What’s Next for Davison?

Given his breakout G League campaign and MVP credentials, Davison is unlikely to remain a free agent for long. Multiple rebuilding teams and those with shallow point guard rotations could benefit from bringing him in on a minimum deal or two-way contract.

Potential fits include:

• San Antonio Spurs – With a young core and emphasis on development, Davison could thrive in Gregg Popovich’s system.

• Utah Jazz – Looking for dynamic guard play behind Keyonte George and Collin Sexton.

• Toronto Raptors – A franchise currently retooling with young talent and guard depth needs.

There’s also a possibility Davison explores options in Europe or Asia, where his G League MVP status could command significant interest and financial opportunity.

G League MVPs and the NBA Transition

Davison’s case underscores a growing trend: dominance in the G League doesn’t always guarantee NBA success. Several past G League MVPs, including Quinn Cook and Paul Reed, eventually carved out NBA roles—but often after bouncing around or making major adjustments.

The gap between G League and NBA competition remains significant. While the G League develops talent at an increasingly high level, NBA teams prioritize players who can contribute immediately within defined systems, especially on playoff-bound rosters like Boston’s.

Celtics’ Roster Outlook

Following Davison’s release, the Celtics now have more flexibility heading into August free agency and potential trade discussions. They’re rumored to be exploring moves that solidify their second unit, particularly after last season’s Finals run took a toll on key players like Jrue Holiday and Al Horford.

The franchise’s core remains untouched—Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Derrick White all return. But fringe roster spots are in flux, and the front office appears focused on winning now, not later.

Reaction From Teammates and Fans

Several of Davison’s G League teammates took to social media to show support. Forward Drew Peterson tweeted:

“JD’s one of the best I’ve ever played with. Boston fans didn’t get to see the full show. Somebody’s gonna be lucky.”

Fans, particularly those who followed the Maine Celtics closely, expressed disappointment. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), many praised Davison’s growth and questioned the timing of the decision.

One fan wrote:

“How do you cut the MVP of your own system? What kind of message does that send to our young guys?”

Others defended the move, acknowledging the difficulty of transitioning to the NBA’s speed and physicality.

“I loved JD’s heart, but let’s be real—he wasn’t going to crack this rotation anytime soon,” a fan posted on CelticsBlog.

JD Davison’s release is both a personal setback and a strategic pivot by the Celtics. It reflects the harsh reality of professional sports, where timing, fit, and team context often matter more than talent alone.

For Davison, this is hardly the end of the road. At just 22, his combination of athleticism, court vision, and upside ensures he’ll get more chances—whether in the NBA, G League, or overseas. And for the Celtics, it’s another calculated move in a busy offseason focused on maintaining championship form while managing salary cap space and roster cohesion.

Only time will tell if this decision pays off for Boston. But one thing is clear: the Celtics are all-in on winning now, and every roster spot will be built with that singular goal in mind.