Photo: CLNS Media Boston Sports Network/YouTube

Ron Harper Jr. is entering the next phase of his NBA career with something he had been chasing since going undrafted in 2022: stability.

After moving between Toronto, Detroit and the G League through two-way contracts, Exhibit 10 deals and short NBA opportunities, Harper has earned a longer-term commitment from the Boston Celtics. The Celtics signed him to a four-year contract worth up to $13.7 million, with $6.5 million guaranteed.

“It’s great. You know, being a guy that kind of bounced around his first couple years, to finally find a home with one of the most well-respected organizations in the league,” Harper told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “It’s a pleasure. Very excited about it, very happy to be there.”

Harper’s breakthrough came during the 2025-26 season, when he appeared in 29 games for Boston and averaged 4.2 points and 1.7 rebounds in 11.0 minutes per game. He shot 41.8% from the field and 35.0% from three-point range, while making three starts.

The contract gives Harper an opportunity to continue developing within a Celtics team that underwent significant changes during the offseason. Boston traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and draft compensation as the franchise sought to avoid the second apron and create additional financial flexibility.

George will also have a personal connection to Harper’s new situation. Harper wore No. 13 in Boston, but gave the number to George after the veteran arrived from Philadelphia.

“We came to a mutual agreement. So that helped both of us out,” Harper said. “He got to have the number, and I got to have a good summer. So, shout out PG!”

Harper said he is particularly excited about learning from George, who has spent more than a decade in the NBA and has been selected to eight All-Star Games.

“I’m very excited to play with PG, learn from him,” Harper said. “I’m just really excited to have a vet that’s, you know, been through what he’s been through.”

Harper also reflected on his early basketball memories, which came from being around his father, Ron Harper Sr., during his time with the Detroit Pistons. He remembered watching Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen compete against Detroit stars such as Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton.

That environment shaped how Harper views team basketball.

“They knew how to play, and no matter whose night it was, you know, they were all supportive of each other,” Harper said. “And I feel like that showed me how to play the game the right way.”

Harper will also miss Brown, who played an important role in his development during his time in Boston.

“He still trusted me when I was an Exhibit 10 player in Boston,” Harper said. “His guidance and his words of encouragement, I really liked. It meant a lot to me.”

Harper credited Brown not only with helping him on the court but also with demonstrating how an NBA player can use his platform away from basketball.

“I feel like the best thing he showed me is how to use your platform to take care of your community,” Harper said.

Boston finished the 2025-26 regular season 56-26, second in the Eastern Conference, before losing to Philadelphia in seven games in the first round. With Brown gone and George taking his place, Harper now has another opportunity to establish himself as part of a reconfigured Celtics rotation.