Drew Peterson, who was with the Celtics for approximately eighteen months and possessed restricted free agency status, has agreed to a two-way agreement with the Charlotte Hornets, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday evening.
Peterson initially formalized a two-way deal with Boston midway through the 2023-24 campaign, a season that culminated in a championship, and he continued in a similar role the following year. However, his status shifted to that of a restricted free agent this summer, and the Celtics chose not to tender him a qualifying offer. This situation potentially arose due to Boston’s decision to trade the No. 32 draft pick for the No. 46 and No. 57 selections, ultimately securing two second-round picks in Amari Williams and Max Shulga, who may be candidates for two-way contracts.
In his tenure, Peterson participated in 28 contests for the Celtics, registering an average of 2.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.7%, including a 42.1% conversion rate from beyond the arc. However, he did not receive extensive playing time and was only incorporated into the rotation for a limited number of games.
Drew Peterson set to reconnect with former Celtics staff on the Hornets
Peterson will encounter several familiar figures in Charlotte, as head coach Charles Lee previously served as the Celtics’ primary assistant coach during Peterson’s rookie season in Boston. These connections extend further; Peterson spent a significant portion of that rookie season playing for the Maine Celtics under the guidance of Blaine Mueller, who has now joined Lee’s staff as an assistant in Charlotte.
Last month, in advance of the draft, Peterson shared with CelticsBlog / CLNA Media his aspirations of securing a standard contract.
“My objective is to demonstrate my value and prove my capabilities on the court,” Peterson stated. “I felt content with the playing opportunities I received this year, and I aimed to showcase my ability to compete in high-caliber NBA games. The overarching goal is continuous progress in that direction, so we will observe how developments unfold.”
Peterson further indicated his desire to re-sign with the Celtics.
“I have a strong affinity for this place,” Peterson expressed. “It has been an exceptional couple of years, and I hope to remain here for an extended period… I cannot overstate my affection for being in Boston.”
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