Former Boston Celtics forward Dalano Banton has signed with the Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin of the Chinese Basketball Association. The 26-year-old's move overseas comes after Boston waived him in July, a decision that helped the team's financial flexibility.
Why did the Celtics waive Dalano Banton?
Boston picked up Banton's non-guaranteed $2.8 million team option for the 2026-27 season on June 29. They waived him just ten days later on July 9. Because the salary wasn't guaranteed, the Celtics cleared the entire amount from their books. This move dropped the team below the NBA's luxury-tax threshold. It also created a needed roster spot for Boston's significant summer rebuild.
Banton's path in Boston was never stable. The Celtics originally signed the 6-foot-8 forward in July 2023, intrigued by his ball-handling at his size. He couldn't secure a rotation spot under head coach Joe Mazzulla and was traded to Portland in 2024. He returned on a 10-day deal in February 2026 and later got a standard contract for the season's final week. Banton played only four games for Boston last season. His longest run came in the regular-season finale, where he logged 36 minutes, got seven assists, but also committed six turnovers.
How has the Celtics' roster changed around Jayson Tatum?
Banton's departure was a small part of a massive transformation. The Celtics orchestrated a blockbuster trade, sending longtime star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and multiple draft picks. They also signed former New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million deal. Veteran point guard Mike Conley was added for his 20th NBA season.
Other new faces include first-round pick Chris Cenac Jr. and second-round selection Dillon Mitchell. Boston retained Neemias Queta and Ron Harper Jr. On multiyear agreements. The rebuilt core now features Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and Derrick White. Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Conley provide perimeter shooting. Robinson and Queta offer physicality at the center position. This crowded forward group, which also includes young players like Jordan Walsh, left no clear path to minutes for Banton. You can view the updated team roster for the full roster breakdown.
What's next for Dalano Banton in China?
Banton chose a larger role in China over waiting for another NBA training camp invite. He had drawn interest from several EuroLeague clubs, including Olympiacos and Besiktas. His performance in the G League made him an attractive option. He spent most of last season with the Texas Legends, the Dallas Mavericks' affiliate. There, he averaged 24.9 points and 6.9 assists across 44 games, showing real scoring and playmaking ability.
His best NBA season came with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2024-25. Banton appeared in a career-high 67 games, averaging 8.3 points and 3.4 assists in 16.7 minutes per game. That production in Portland and the G League ultimately created this new opportunity abroad. The team's upcoming schedule will be the first test of this remade roster's potential.