Celtics’ forward depth takes hit with latest departure

Drew Peterson, previously with the Boston Celtics, has signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets, as reported by Shams Charania. Hornets head coach Charles Lee, who previously coached Peterson as a Celtics assistant during the 2023-24 season, is believed to have influenced this move. This ends Peterson’s opportunity to potentially expand his role with the Celtics during Jayson Tatum’s extended absence.

Peterson, an undrafted free agent from USC, appeared in 28 games across two seasons with Boston. In the 2024-25 season, he played 25 games (one start), averaging 7.4 minutes and 2.2 points per game. Despite limited playing time, he proved efficient as a three-point shooter, hitting 39.4% last season and maintaining a 42.1% career average from beyond the arc. He also demonstrated solid rebounding ability for a reserve forward, averaging 7.1 rebounds per 36 minutes.

The Celtics face uncertainty in forward depth for the 2025-26 season, as Tatum is expected to miss most or all of it. While Sam Hauser remains and could start, the team added Georges Niang (trade) and Josh Minott (free agency), with Xavier Tillman, Miles Norris, and Torrey Craig also on the roster. Despite this thin depth, Peterson’s playing time in Boston was unlikely to increase significantly.

Peterson’s two-way deal with Charlotte means he will likely split time between the NBA and the G League, earning a lower salary than a standard NBA contract. Meanwhile, the Celtics, amid potential cost-cutting, may focus on shedding salary rather than adding expensive talent, with a major roster-improvement move—such as pursuing a player like Damian Lillard—remaining a possibility.