The Boston Celtics have seen a reported offseason target land elsewhere, with South Korean wing Lee Hyun-jung signing an Exhibit-10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. This move comes after Lee, 25, drew interest from several NBA teams, including the Celtics, following his Summer League play.
What happened with Lee Hyun-jung and the Celtics?
Lee Hyun-jung put himself back on the NBA radar with the San Antonio Spurs in the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League. Over eight games, he averaged 8.6 points and 3.8 rebounds. His best performance was a 22-point outburst against the Utah Jazz where he hit four three-pointers in just 22 minutes. That showing earned him mini-camp workouts with the New Orleans Pelicans and later the Boston Celtics in mid-August.
Boston and New Orleans both held an available two-way roster spot and were exploring options. Lee's workout with the Celtics ran from August 16 through 20. Neither team offered him a deal immediately after the session, leaving the door open for Portland to step in with an Exhibit-10 contract before training camp. This type of deal gives Lee a shot to make the Blazers' roster or join their G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, with a financial bonus to stay in the system.
Why does this matter for the Celtics?
The Celtics' interest in Lee highlights their ongoing effort to find value on the edges of the roster. They still have an open two-way contract slot, a tool used to develop younger talent within the organization. Missing out on Lee means that spot remains a piece of unfinished business as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season. You can track the evolving roster composition on our roster page.
Lee's profile as a 6-foot-7 guard-forward who can shoot and rebound fit a modern NBA mold. His journey includes being undrafted in 2022, a stint with the Golden State Warriors' G League team, and winning a championship with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's NBL. His determination to return to the NBA was clear, as he skipped international duty with South Korea this summer to pursue workouts. For a Celtics team looking to add depth, his story was likely appealing.
What comes next for Boston?
The Celtics' front office will continue to scan the market for players who can fill that final two-way role. Identifying and securing the right developmental talent could provide insurance and flexibility during the long regular season grind.
While Lee begins his journey in Portland, the Celtics' focus shifts to other prospects and their own training camp. The Exhibit-10 path Lee took is one Boston may offer to another candidate soon. For now, the search continues as the organization builds towards improving on last season's finish. Fans can follow the team's progress and upcoming challenges by checking the schedule schedule.
