Amari Williams is officially making the leap from promising prospect to full-time NBA player - and he’s doing it with one of the league’s most storied franchises. The former Kentucky big man has agreed to a two-year, $2.7 million deal with the Boston Celtics, locking in a standard contract after initially joining the team on a two-way deal.
It’s a significant step for Williams, who was selected 46th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Though originally drafted by the Orlando Magic, he was traded to Boston soon after. Since then, he’s been working to carve out a role with the Celtics, and this new deal is a clear sign that the organization sees long-term potential in him.
Williams made his name last season as one of the foundational pieces in Mark Pope’s first year at Kentucky. And while he wasn’t the flashiest player on the floor, his impact was undeniable.
He averaged 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game - a stat line that speaks to his versatility and feel for the game. Whether it was anchoring the defense, facilitating from the high post, or cleaning up the glass, Williams consistently found ways to influence winning.
Before his time in Lexington, Williams was a dominant force at Drexel, where he earned CAA Defensive Player of the Year honors three times. That defensive pedigree translated well to the SEC, where he held his own against top-tier competition and helped Kentucky make a Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Tournament.
And yes, if you're wondering - he’s also the guy who became a viral sensation for his love of Weetabix cereal during that tournament run. What started as a quirky pregame habit turned into a full-blown NIL deal, and soon enough, boxes of the British breakfast staple were popping up everywhere, including the press room in Indianapolis. It was a fun subplot to a strong postseason performance, but it also highlighted Williams’ growing profile off the court.
Now, the focus shifts to what he can bring to the Celtics’ rotation. Boston has championship aspirations, and while Williams may not be a headline name just yet, his skill set - especially on the defensive end - fits the mold of the kind of depth piece that can make a difference over the course of a long season.
This contract gives Williams the stability to continue developing within the Celtics’ system, and if his college track record is any indication, he’s only scratching the surface.