Two former Michigan State basketball stars have signed NBA contract extensions
What a time it is to be a Michigan State basketball player in the NBA. First we saw Max Christie ink a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, which honestly was somewhat of a surprise to me.
Now we found out two more former Spartans who signed contract extensions to stay with their current NBA teams.
Xavier Tillman Sr., Boston Celtics
First up is Xavier Tillman Sr., who just won his first NBA title with the Boston Celtics.
Free agent F Xavier Tillman has agreed on a two-year deal to return to the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Tillman averaged 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds last season. pic.twitter.com/Z1510rRVs6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024
Tillman spent his first three seasons in Memphis where he found a lot of success. He then was traded from Memphis to Boston during his fourth season, a move I’m sure he’s very excited happened.
Not only was he able to win an NBA title with the Celtics this year, but he was a regular contributor off the bench for them. Tillman averaged four points, 2.7 rebounds, and one assist per game with the Celtics this season. He also had a massive game in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, a game the Celtics won in Dallas to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.
This new deal will keep Tillman in Boston for two more years and will give him a chance to add some more hardware as the Celtics aren’t going anywhere anytime soon on the NBA scene.
Gary Harris, Orlando Magic
The second Spartan to sign a new deal is Gary Harris, who will be staying with the Orlando Magic for two more seasons.
Free agent guard Gary Harris has agreed to a two-year, $14 million contract to stay with the Orlando Magic, sources tell ESPN. Harris will be returning for his fifth season with the Magic — his 11th in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fNKRq6d8Yu
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024
Harris has had a long NBA journey where he has played for three different teams across 10 seasons. His most recent stint has been with Orlando, where he has spent the last three and half years.
This past season, Harris averaged 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. These numbers are all lower than his career average, but clearly the Magic see enough out of him as a veteran of the NBA to keep him around.
Harris’ new contract will be for two years and $14 million.
Hopefully Harris will be able to have a bigger impact with the Magic as they’ve finished no better than fifth in the Eastern Conference since he’s been with the organization. That fifth-place finish however came this last season, so hopefully we’ll be able to watch him and the Magic excel once again next season.