The Celtics are bringing back a familiar face to fill one of their open roster spots. A league source confirmed to MassLive that Boston is signing [Dalano Banton](https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2026/02/former-celtics-guard-debuts-with-clippers-after-signing-new-deal.html) to a 10-day contract on Thursday. Michael Scotto of Hoopshype was first to report the deal.
Banton had spent time earlier this month with the Clippers after signing a 10-day deal but became a free agent again this week. He now rejoins Boston two years after he was traded away by the team.
The Toronto native spent half a season in Boston during the team’s 2023-2024 championship season before being dealt away to the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2024. He spent the next year and a half in Portland but had spent most of this season in the G-League after getting cut by the Dallas Mavericks during training camp. He posted 8.3 points and 23.4 assists per game in 67 appearances for the Blazers.
Banton posted strong numbers in the G-League with the Dallas Legends and now will be a short-term boost to Boston’s depth in the backcourt after the Celtics traded away Anfernee Simons. The team will need to make one more signing on Thursday to get their roster back to 14 players after opening up two roster spots at the trade deadline. That will likely be another 10-day contract according to a source.
Banton appeared in two games with the Clippers this season, averaging 3.0 points and 1.0 assists. The No. 46 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has posted career averages of 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 218 games.