Celtics sign familiar-named forward to two-way contract

The Celtics' roster is still in transition following their trio of moves at the NBA trade deadline earlier this month. On Monday afternoon, the team announced the signing of forward Matt Ryan to a two-way contract.

This signing fills the two-way contract spot vacated when the team signed Sam Hauser to a standard contract earlier this month. Ryan, 24, will be eligible to play in both Maine and Boston.

Ryan, who is not related to the long-time Atlanta Falcons and former Boston College quarterback of the same name, comes to the Celtics from the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League. In 16 games for the Gold in a starting role, Ryan was averaging 18.6 points per game, shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three. In Grand Rapids, Ryan was coached by former Celtics guard Jason Terry.

If and when Ryan joins the NBA club in Boston, it will be his first NBA action. He was undrafted in 2020, and split his college career between Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and then Chattanooga for a graduate year. The White Planes, NY native also played for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers earlier this month.

The Celtics begin a three-game homestand Tuesday night, hosting the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning at 7 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Danny Ainge had overseen almost two decades worth of trade deadlines as the Celtics' president of basketball operations. Fans may have been unsure of what to expect as Brad Stevens manned the phones for the first time since being promoted to Ainge's old job back in June.

What ensued was one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent memory in Boston sports. In total, the Celtics traded away seven players and a first-round pick, acquired two players and a second-round pick, and added a future first-round pick swap. Here's a quick rundown of each of the Celtics' three deals done throughout the day...

Celtics get:

-- Future 2nd-round pick

Magic get:

-- F P.J. Dozier
-- C Bol Bol
-- Future 2nd-round pick
-- Cash considerations

(Full trade details)

The Celtics' first move of the day wasn't a major one, but it did help the team get under the luxury tax. Boston acquired P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol just a few weeks ago in a three team deal that saw them send forward Juancho Hernangomez and cash considerations to San Antonio.

Celtics get:

-- G Derrick White

Spurs get:

-- G/F Josh Richardson
-- G Romeo Langford
-- 2022 1st-round pick (1-4 protected)

(Full trade details)

A few hours later, the Celtics made their first player acquisition of the day, adding starting Spurs shooting guard Derrick White. White is expected to fill a similar role in Boston. His defensive prowess will give the Celtics a lockdown backcourt, with White playing next to Marcus Smart. Meanwhile, Richardson was part of the bench unit while Langford was struggling to find minutes in the rotation. This deal also includes a 2028 first-round pick swap, with Boston's pick top-1 protected.

Celtics get:

-- C Daniel Theis

Rockets get:

-- G Dennis Schröder
-- F Bruno Fernando
-- C Enes Freedom

(Full trade details)

For the second year in a row, the Celtics made a trade involving Daniel Theis just before the trade deadline hit. This time, the Celtics brought back Theis for a second stint, and moved point guard Dennis Schröder. Leading up to Thursday, reports had indicated Schröder - who is on an expiring contract - would be dealt at the deadline.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.