Devin Carter is drawing concrete trade interest from the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in September 2026. The former lottery pick is available after two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. Buzz is centered on Boston’s need for guard depth and Miami’s family connection.
Celtics fans should watch trade calls this week. The market is tightening ahead of training camp.
Who Is Devin Carter? Player Profile and Background
Devin Carter played college basketball at Providence. He was the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
Strengths are defense, perimeter shooting and playmaking. He averaged 12.4 points, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals in 2025-26 on 38.2 percent three-point shooting.
His contract is rookie-scale through 2027-28 with a team option for 2028-29. Trade value remains high for a 23-year-old former lottery pick.
Everything Celtics Fans Need to Know About Devin Carter
Carter fits Boston’s defensive identity. He can guard point guards and wings. Boston needs backup ball-handling behind Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
Scouting reports list him as a 3-and-D guard with secondary creation. He is not a primary scorer.
Comparison to current Celtics guards:
| Player | Role | Defense | Shooting | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Carter | Guard depth / wing defender | Plus | 38.2% 3PT | 23 |
| Jrue Holiday | Starter | Elite | 34.1% 3PT | 34 |
| Derrick White | Starter | Plus | 39.6% 3PT | 31 |
| Payton Pritchard | Bench shooter | Average | 41.0% 3PT | 26 |
Celtics Could Face Rival Competition for Former Lottery Pick
NESN reported Boston interest in Carter and noted rival competition is circling. Multiple teams view him as a cost-controlled defensive upgrade.
Rival interest is driven by his contract and playoff experience with San Antonio. Teams want young guards without free agency risk.
Celtics trade assets could include second-round picks and salary filler. A larger package would require moving a rotation player.
Timeline is narrow. Moves are expected before the end of September 2026.
ASK IRA: Should Heat Keep It in the Family with a Move for Devin Carter?
Miami Heat interest is reported by Sun-Sentinel. Patrick Riley is Devin Carter’s uncle. The family connection fuels speculation.
Carter fits Heat culture. He brings wing defense and discipline. Miami needs perimeter defenders after roster turnover.
Cap situation limits Miami. A sign-and-trade is unlikely. A direct trade would require matching salary.
Boston versus Miami is the central battle for the former lottery pick. Both teams value defense first.
Pros and Cons of a Celtics Trade for Devin Carter
Fan sentiment is mixed. Supporters want youth and defense. Others want scoring.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Defensive upgrade on perimeter | Limited offensive creation |
| Cost-controlled young talent on rookie deal | Roster fit with existing guards |
| Playoff experience from Spurs system | Asset cost for a bench role |
Trade Rumors, Predictions and Next Steps
Yahoo Sports published Everything Celtics Fans Need to Know About Devin Carter on September 2026. NESN detailed rival competition for the former lottery pick. Sun-Sentinel asked if Heat should keep it in the family.
Key dates to watch are the final week of September and the start of training camp in early October.
Likelihood of a Celtics landing remains moderate. Competition from Miami and other teams reduces probability. Boston’s front office is active.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Devin Carter and why is he in trade rumors?
- A: Devin Carter is a 23-year-old guard, 13th overall pick in 2024 by the Spurs. He averaged 12.4 points, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals with 38.2% three-point shooting in 2025-26 and is drawing interest for his defense and 3-and-D profile.
- Q: Which teams are interested in Devin Carter?
- A: The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have shown concrete trade interest in September 2026, with Boston seeking backup ball-handling and Miami linked via family connections.
- Q: What is Devin Carter’s contract status?
- A: He is on a rookie-scale contract through 2027-28 with a team option for 2028-29, keeping his trade value high for a former lottery pick.
Extended Reading
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