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BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, smiles during a press conference at Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Recently, the Boston Celtics gave one of their two-way players a promotion.
Max Shulga was signed to a standard contract, allowing the 23-year-old to stay active with the team for the remainder of the 2025-2026 NBA season and potentially beyond.
The Ukrainian guard is navigating through his first NBA season and is clearly gaining the proper attention from the Celtics’ front office and coaching staff as he searches for a long-term home.
Celtics’ Roster Addition Gets Key Contract Update
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
GettyBoston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens
Shulga gets a standard for this year, but he could be on the team for the 2026-2027 run as well.
via Keith Smith, Spotrac: Max Shulga’s two-year contract with the Boston Celtics includes a team option for next season, a league source told @spotrac.com. If Boston picks up that option, Shulga’s deal then becomes non-guaranteed until the league-wide guarantee date on January 10, 2027.
For the remainder of the season, Shulga is expected to earn $212,145, according to Spotrac.
The Celtics will have to make a decision on Shulga before the June 29 deadline. If they don’t pick up the option, he’ll become a free agent in the 2026 class in July.
Boston could opt into the non-guaranteed $2.15 million for the 2026-2027 season and keep him on the roster until January 10. If the Celtics want to cut ties or restructure, they would have the flexibility to do so without any significant financial penalty.
The Rise Of Max Shulga
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 20: Max Shulga #11 of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams dribbles the ball against Trey Stewart #1 of the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Ball Arena on March 20, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Ukraine-born guard landed in the NCAA to play for Utah State in 2020. He spent three seasons there, becoming a full-time starter during his third year.
As a starter, Shulga produced an average of 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He made 42% from the field and knocked down 36% of his threes.
After Utah State’s head coach moved to VCU, Shulga went with him. He spent the next two seasons playing for VCU, where he was a full-time starter.
During his final season at VCU, Shulga shot 43% from the field and hit on 38% of his threes. He produced 15.0 points per game, along with 5.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
The Orlando Magic drafted Shulga with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, before sending his rights to the Celtics. Boston wanted to see how Shulga looked with the Maine Celtics in the G League.
During the G League regular season, Shulga has appeared in 23 games. Seeing the court for 34.5 minutes per game, Shulga has produced averages of 16.2 points (43% FG, 39% 3PT), 4.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.