Ron Harper Jr. Is Staying in Boston

Ron Harper Jr. is 26, Filipino-American, and the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr. He went undrafted in 2022, bounced through three teams, and spent stretches in the G League before landing in Boston last season.

The Celtics are keeping him. They are re-signing Harper to a three-year, $9 million contract, according to ESPN, and declining his $2.6 million team option for 2026-27 to do it. He played 29 games in 2025-26, averaging 4.2 points and 11.0 minutes. His career-high came on April 12: 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals against the Orlando Magic.

The Long Way Around

Over parts of four NBA seasons and 40 total games, Harper is averaging 3.7 points per game. He was not drafted, was waived more than once, and spent stretches in the G League. His younger brother Dylan was selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft. The careers went in opposite directions early. Ron Jr. had to earn every roster spot.

What is less common is a team choosing a longer, more expensive deal over a cheaper short one. The Celtics did that anyway.

What It Means

At $3 million per year, this is a depth signing. Harper fills a roster spot on a team that has won at a high level. His job is to be available, play when called, and not make it a thing.

For Harper, it is three years on one roster after bouncing through three.