MANILA — Filipino-American forward Ron Harper Jr. secured his NBA future after signing a new three-year, $9 million contract with the Boston Celtics, highlighting a busy stretch of league roster moves that also saw Kawhi Leonard return to the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster trade.
According to an ESPN report, Harper opted out of Boston’s $2.6 million team option before reaching terms on the new long-term agreement, ensuring his stay with the reigning Eastern Conference powerhouse.
Harper played in 29 NBA games for the Celtics last season, averaging 4.2 points while shooting 41.8 percent from the field. Although his minutes were limited early, he earned a larger role as the season progressed and appeared in Boston’s playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Fil-Am standout also excelled in the NBA G League with the Maine Celtics, posting averages of 24.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field.
In another major offseason development, two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard is returning to Toronto after the Raptors acquired him from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster trade.
The Raptors reportedly gave up Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two second-round selections in exchange for Leonard.
The deal reunites Leonard with the franchise he carried to its first NBA championship in 2019, when he averaged 28.5 points in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors en route to winning Finals MVP honors.
Leonard spent just one season in Toronto after arriving via trade from the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 before signing with the Clippers as a free agent in 2019.
Elsewhere in the NBA, Tim Hardaway Jr. is expected to join the Miami Heat, while three-point specialist Simone Fontecchio is set to remain with the club for next season.
Luke Kennard is headed to the Phoenix Suns from the Los Angeles Lakers, Keon Ellis is joining the Brooklyn Nets, and Branden Carlson will continue with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Meanwhile, DeAndre Jordan will remain with the New Orleans Pelicans, Bones Hyland with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ousmane Dieng with the Milwaukee Bucks, Precious Achiuwa with the Sacramento Kings, and Jock Landale with the Atlanta Hawks./PN
