John Tonje mug

John Tonje

Courtesy of Mizzou Athletics

Former Missouri guard John Tonje has found a new NBA opportunity, signing a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers after an impressive showing in NBA Summer League with the Boston Celtics. The move was reported Friday, giving the former Tiger another chance to earn a full-time NBA roster spot.

Tonje turned heads in Las Vegas by averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 51% from the field and 45.2% from 3-point range across five Summer League contests. He led the Celtics with 74 total points and 14 made 3-pointers, consistently finishing among the team’s top performers throughout the event.

His strong two-way play and improved defense helped solidify his case for another NBA opportunity after Boston declined to extend a qualifying offer earlier this offseason.

The 6-foot-4 guard spent last season between the Jazz and Celtics organizations after being selected with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He appeared in six NBA games for Boston while averaging 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists across 29 G League games split between the Salt Lake City Stars and Maine Celtics.

Tonje’s signing also continues Missouri’s growing NBA presence.

He becomes the third former Tiger currently on a two-way contract entering the 2026-27 season, joining Kobe Brown with the Indiana Pacers and Tamar Bates with the Utah Jazz.

Tonje spent an injury-shortened 2024-25 season at Missouri after beginning his collegiate career at Colorado State and before finishing as a second-team All-American at Wisconsin.