Celtics: Christian Koloko Crvena Zvezda Move After Maine Trade

Christian Koloko has signed with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia, just days after the Maine Celtics acquired his G League returning player rights on October 15. The 26-year-old, 6-foot-11 center will make his first European stop with Crvena Zvezda instead of joining Maine, after the New Orleans Pelicans waived Christian Koloko on October 9.





What happened with Christian Koloko and Crvena Zvezda?


Crvena Zvezda announced the signing on Sunday morning, October 18, and Hoops Rumors reported that Koloko drew interest from several other EuroLeague clubs before choosing Crvena Zvezda. The Christian Koloko Crvena Zvezda contract is contingent on Koloko passing a physical.


Crvena Zvezda has started the EuroLeague season 4-2. The Serbian club, also known as Red Star Belgrade, plays in the EuroLeague, and its roster includes former NBA players Jared Butler, Patrick Baldwin, and former Celtic Semi Ojeleye.





Why did Maine trade for Koloko if he was going overseas?


The Maine Celtics traded Kendall Brown's returning player rights to the Austin Spurs on October 15 for the rights to Osayi Osifo, Donovan Williams, and Christian Koloko. Maine acquired returning player rights only, not signed contracts, so no player in the trade was guaranteed to play for Maine this season.


All three players Maine acquired have now chosen overseas teams. Osayi Osifo signed with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia, and Donovan Williams joined Al Riyadi in the Lebanese Basketball League. If Christian Koloko returns to the G League later, Maine will hold his rights, which is how the Maine Celtics G League roster keeps future flexibility even when a player leaves.





What is Christian Koloko's NBA history?


Christian Koloko was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors after three college seasons at Arizona. Koloko has played 122 regular-season NBA games and holds career averages of 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 12.3 minutes per game.


Koloko missed the entire 2023-24 season because of a blood clot issue and was medically cleared to return for 2024-25, when Koloko played on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2025-26, Koloko played 27 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes per game. Koloko played 14 of those games for Atlanta, averaging 3.1 points and 2.7 rebounds.


Koloko joined New Orleans on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 training camp deal and played one preseason game, against the Miami Heat, before New Orleans waived Koloko on October 9. Because Koloko has four years of NBA service, Koloko's two-way eligibility is now exhausted, so a standard NBA contract or an overseas deal were Koloko's main options.





What does this mean for the Boston Celtics and Maine?


The Boston Celtics open the 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday at the Detroit Pistons, and Christian Koloko was never part of Boston's opening-night roster. The Koloko move affects Maine, Boston's G League affiliate, which is building its roster under head coach Phil Pressey.


Phil Pressey returns for a second season as Maine head coach, Maine confirmed on October 1. Pressey led Maine to a 27-23 record and the G League playoffs for a fourth straight season. Maine's frontcourt plans will now move forward without Koloko, Osifo, or Williams.


FAQ


Will Christian Koloko play for the Maine Celtics this season?

No. Christian Koloko signed with Crvena Zvezda in Serbia after Maine acquired his G League returning player rights on October 15. Maine keeps Koloko's G League rights if Koloko returns to the league later.


Why could Koloko not sign a two-way contract?

Christian Koloko has four years of NBA service, so Koloko is no longer eligible for a two-way contract. Hoops Rumors reported that limit after Koloko signed with Crvena Zvezda.


When do the Boston Celtics open the season?

The Boston Celtics open the 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday at the Detroit Pistons. Maine, Boston's G League affiliate, is still finalizing its roster for the G League campaign under Phil Pressey.


Sources:

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2026/10/christian-koloko-signs-with-crvena-zvezda.html

https://heavy.com/sports/nba/boston-celtics/christian-koloko-celtics-overseas/

Location: Boston, MA, USA

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