The Boston Celtics have announced the addition of forward Jalen Bridges to their training camp roster, signaling a potential opportunity for the 24-year-old to secure a two-way contract for the upcoming 2025–26 season. Bridges will compete for one of the limited two-way spots available, aiming to further his professional basketball career with the storied franchise. This move reflects the Celtics' ongoing efforts to build depth and integrate promising talent into their squad, particularly after a recent offseason focused on roster adjustments and the integration of new draft picks.
Jalen Bridges comes to the Celtics with previous NBA experience, having spent the last season on a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns. During his tenure with the Suns, he appeared in eight NBA games, gaining valuable exposure to the league's competitive environment. Beyond his brief NBA stint, Bridges was a key contributor for the Valley Suns in the G League, where he demonstrated his offensive and rebounding prowess. Across 31 appearances, he averaged 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, while also showing efficiency from beyond the arc, converting 2.7 three-pointers per contest.
Prior to his professional career, Bridges had a notable collegiate journey. He played two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Baylor, where he wrapped up his college career. In his senior year (2023-24) at Baylor, he posted impressive numbers, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, which earned him All-Big 12 Third Team honors. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, his talent was quickly recognized by the Phoenix Suns, who signed him shortly after the draft.
His performance during the 2025 Summer League further underscored his potential. Representing the Boston Celtics, Bridges averaged 8.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in limited playing time, showcasing glimpses of his versatility and skill set. The Celtics, having already drafted Hugo González and Noah Penda, are actively shaping their roster with young talent to complement established stars like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. With RJ Luis Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams already holding two-way contracts, Bridges faces stiff competition but has a clear path to earn his place.
Two-way contracts offer a unique pathway for players to develop their skills by allowing them to split their time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate. This system enables players to gain significant playing experience in the G League while also being eligible to participate in up to 50 NBA games, providing both developmental opportunities and potential for immediate NBA impact. Bridges' journey highlights the importance of the G League as a platform for undrafted prospects to hone their game and make a case for a permanent spot in the NBA.
The acquisition of Jalen Bridges for training camp is a strategic move by the Boston Celtics to bolster their roster depth and foster competition. With his G League experience, collegiate accolades, and promising Summer League performance, Bridges has an opportunity to prove his worth and secure a two-way deal, contributing to the Celtics' future success.
