Devin Carter Waived by Hawks: Boston Celtics Reportedly Interested in Former No. 13 Pick

Carter, 24, enters the free-agent market following a turbulent start to his professional career. Selected 13th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2024 NBA Draft, the 6-foot-3 guard struggled to establish a consistent role on the West Coast before a series of front office moves landed him in Atlanta.

How Devin Carter Landed on the Free Agent Market

The sequence that led to Carter’s availability began in June, when the Sacramento Kings traded Carter and a 2033 second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for the draft rights to 30-year-old Alpha Kaba. However, Carter’s stint in Atlanta proved short-lived. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Hawks officially waived the guard on Friday.

If Carter goes unclaimed on the waiver wire and clears as an unrestricted free agent, the Atlanta Hawks remain financially responsible for his $5.2 million salary for the 2026–27 NBA season.

Celtics Rumors: Why Boston Makes Sense as a Low-Risk Landing Spot

With the NBA preseason less than a month away, the Boston Celtics continue evaluating roster additions to bolster their backcourt depth. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the organization has registered interest in acquiring the Providence College product.

For Boston, a potential pursuit of Carter represents a minimal financial gamble. If signed to a team-friendly deal, the local product would have the opportunity to prove his worth during training camp and preseason workouts. Carter checks several boxes for a Celtics franchise that historically prioritizes perimeter toughness, defensive versatility, and high-motor guard play.

Offensive Struggles Contrast with Defensive Prowess

An evaluation of Carter’s first two professional seasons reveals a stark contrast between his impact on defense and his struggles on offense. Across 74 total games played between 2024 and 2026, Carter averaged 6.4 points per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 27.4 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

Despite those perimeter shooting limitations, his defensive work stands out on film and in the box scores. During his NBA career to date, he has averaged 2.7 rebounds and 0.7 steals per contest.

Returning to New England Roots

A move to Boston would mark a homecoming for Carter, who spent significant formative years in New England. Born in Miami, Florida, Carter graduated from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, in 2021. He initially played his freshman college basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2021–22 season before transferring to Providence College.

During his two standout seasons with the Providence Friars from 2022 to 2024, Carter cemented his reputation as a dynamic collegiate star. In his final college campaign, he captured the Big East scoring title by averaging 21.4 points per game across 20 conference contests, earned a selection to the Big East All-Tournament team, and ultimately played his way into lottery consideration before Sacramento selected him at No. 13.

Two years after departing the region for the West Coast, Carter faces an opportunity to restart his NBA journey in familiar territory. Whether the Celtics formalize their reported interest with a contract offer depends on how the waiver wire shakes out over the coming days.