So, the news hit the wire back in October 2025 that the Boston Celtics decided to waive Hason Ward. If you're a die-hard fan or a G League junkie, you probably weren't all that shocked. But for the casual fan seeing the headline "Celtics waive Hason Ward," it might've felt like just another nameless transaction in the sea of preseason cuts.
It wasn't.
This move was basically a masterclass in how NBA front offices use the "Exhibit 10" contract to manipulate their roster and funnel talent toward their G League affiliates. Ward, a 6-foot-9 forward with a wingspan that seems to go on for days, is exactly the kind of project the Celtics love. He's bouncy. He's a rim protector. Honestly, he’s the kind of guy who looks like a modern-day NBA rotation piece in certain flashes.
But why cut him?
The Exhibit 10 Game: Why the Celtics Waive Hason Ward Now
The timing of when the Celtics waive Hason Ward is the most important part of the story. By signing him to an Exhibit 10 deal and then waiving him before the regular season officially tipped off, Brad Stevens and the Boston front office essentially "stashed" him in Maine.
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If Ward stays with the Maine Celtics for at least 60 days, he pocketed a bonus worth about $85,300. That’s a massive chunk of change for a G League player. For the Celtics, it’s a cheap way to keep a promising defender in their ecosystem without having him take up one of the 15 standard roster spots or a two-way slot.
You've gotta look at the numbers. In his rookie G League season (2024-25), Ward was a defensive menace. He averaged over two blocks a game. People in Portland—the Maine one, obviously—started calling him "The Warden" because of how he locked down the paint. He even played in all 50 games last year. That kind of durability is rare at this level.
A Local Kid with Global Game
Ward isn't just some random prospect. He’s got local ties, having played high school ball at Springfield Central in Massachusetts. He once blocked 22 shots in a single high school game. Think about that for a second. Twenty-two. That’s not a stat line; that’s a glitch in the Matrix.
He took a winding road to the pros:
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- Three years at VCU (where he made the Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team).
- Two years at Iowa State.
- A stint in Canada with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.
- Summer League runs with both the Sacramento Kings and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
When the Celtics waive Hason Ward, they aren't saying goodbye. They’re saying, "Go back to Maine, keep working on that jump shot, and be ready when we need a defensive specialist."
The Roster Math and the Luxury Tax Headache
The Celtics are currently operating in a world of "punitive tax aprons." It’s complicated, but basically, they are paying a lot of money to keep Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. Adding a 15th player to the standard roster isn't just about paying that player a minimum salary; it’s about the millions of dollars in extra taxes that come with it.
By waiving Ward and keeping a roster spot open, Boston keeps their flexibility. They can wait until the trade deadline or the buyout market to see if a veteran becomes available. If they had kept Ward on the main roster, they’d be locked in.
Ward’s offensive game is still a bit of a work in progress. While he shot nearly 68% from the field in the G League, most of those were dunks and lobs. In the 2025-26 G League season, he’s only shooting about 16% from three-point range. In Joe Mazzulla’s "shot-heavy" offense, you’ve gotta be able to stretch the floor or be an elite passer. Ward isn't quite there yet.
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What’s Next for "The Warden"?
Don't feel too bad for him. As of January 2026, Ward is still grinding in Maine. Just recently, on January 16, he put up 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks against the Wisconsin Herd. He’s playing consistent minutes and staying on the NBA radar.
The reality of the NBA is that "waived" doesn't mean "done." It often just means "not right now." For Hason Ward, the path to a permanent NBA home likely involves proving he can do more than just block shots. He needs to become a reliable "energy big" who can switch onto guards and maybe hit an occasional corner three.
If you’re wondering what to watch for, keep an eye on the 10-day contract window. Later this season, when injuries inevitably pile up or the Celtics need a defensive spark, Ward is one of the first guys they’ll call.
The move to waive him was a tactical retreat, not a surrender.
Actionable Insights for Following Ward's Career:
- Watch the Maine Celtics Box Scores: Specifically, look for his "stocks" (steals + blocks). If he’s averaging 3.0 or higher, he’s outgrowing the G League.
- Monitor Three-Point Attempts: If his volume of shots from the perimeter increases—even if they don't all go in—it shows the Celtics coaching staff is trying to expand his role.
- Check the 10-Day Window: Usually starting in January, NBA teams can sign players to short-term deals. This is Ward's prime opportunity to get back on the main stage.
- Follow Exhibit 10 Deadlines: Remember that the bonus he earned for being waived and staying in Maine requires a 60-day commitment, meaning he's likely staying put until at least mid-winter.
Ward is a classic "late bloomer" prospect. He’s 25 years old now, which is "old" for a prospect but "young" for a big man still learning the nuances of NBA defense. The Celtics are playing the long game with him, and honestly, it’s a smart move for both sides.