Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Ukrainian guard Max Shulga from the Boston Celtics on 11 August 2026. The fee is undisclosed. At 193 cm and 89 kg, Shulga arrives as a combo guard who can shoot, pass and defend both backcourt spots. He heads to Liga ACB after a productive year in the NBA G League and a brief NBA Summer League outing.

Transfer at a glance: date, fee and context

Shulga’s move from the Boston Celtics to Real Madrid was finalized on 11 August 2026, with the transfer listed at an undisclosed fee. The switch gives Real Madrid another backcourt option as they look to steady results while keeping a strong league record intact. For Madrid, it is a low-risk, versatile addition who can fill minutes at both guard roles and space the floor. For Boston, it clears a pathway for other developmental guards while recognizing Shulga’s readiness for a major European role.

The timeline is straightforward and recent, which matters for squad integration. He joins in time to slot into Sergio Scariolo’s early-season rotation plans. The deal also reflects the growing traffic between NBA organizations, the G League and top European teams. It is a reminder that Liga ACB remains a prime destination for guards who blend shooting and playmaking.

What the numbers say about Shulga’s season

In the NBA G League 25/26 with Maine Celtics, Shulga played 27 games and totaled 413 points, 186 assists and 44 steals in 54,005 seconds on court. That works out to around 900 minutes of action, so his sample is significant. He shot 43.1% from the field, 38.9% from three on 167 attempts, and 73.8% at the line. He added 65 made threes, three double-doubles and maintained a 2.33 assist-to-turnover ratio. Per game, that roughly translates to 15.3 points, 6.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.4 threes, with about 3 turnovers.

His Summer League cameo with Golden State featured 6 points, 4 assists and 1 steal in 1 appearance and 1,503 seconds, roughly 25 minutes. He went 1-of-4 from the field and 0-of-3 from deep, but still impacted the game as a passer. The small sample there is less important than the sustained G League output. A near 39% clip from three on solid volume is the standout line. The combination of shooting volume, playmaking totals and a positive plus/minus across a season paints him as a steady rotation guard.

Real Madrid’s picture: standings, recent form and needs

Real Madrid sit first in Liga ACB at 26-7, which sets a high bar for any newcomer. The recent form line reads W L L L L, showing that results dipped despite a strong season body of work. In the ACB Playoffs, Madrid beat La Laguna Tenerife away 118-83 but fell 97-98 and 95-107 in the home legs. In league action, they also lost 83-88 to Kosner Baskonia and 94-87 away at Kids&Us Manresa. The swings suggest both big scoring nights and tight defeats.

Sergio Scariolo now gets another backcourt profile to manage those margins. The squad’s overall health is clear from the table position, but depth in guard minutes can stabilize game flow. Shulga’s catch-and-shoot threat should open lanes for drivers and bigs. His assist numbers show he can keep the ball moving and run secondary pick-and-roll. In Madrid, he will play at the Movistar Arena, a 14,000-capacity home that fits his step up in stage.

How Shulga fits Madrid’s rotation right now

Shulga projects as a floor-spacer who can also create reads off the bounce. His 38.9% three-point mark on 167 attempts suggests reliable off-ball gravity. The 2.33 assist-to-turnover ratio is a coach-friendly stat, hinting at sound decision-making. With 44 steals and 7 blocks, he brings activity and size to guard either spot in bursts. Expect him to lift Madrid’s second unit shooting and keep the offense tidy.

Under Scariolo, minutes are earned through consistency and role clarity. Shulga’s profile fits that lane: low-drama, high-utility guard play. He can pair with a primary ball handler or steer bench groups without overdribbling. If Madrid continue to face close games, his shooting and simple reads can swing late possessions. For the Celtics side, the move allows Maine’s playmaking reps to shift to the next guard in line while Shulga tests himself at the top of Spanish basketball.

What’s next

Madrid’s backcourt rotation just got deeper, and the timing feels right. Recent results need smoothing, and Shulga’s shooting and passing can help right away. You can track his minutes, game-by-game stats and Sofascore Rating on Sofascore, along with live scores for every Liga ACB round. If the G League version shows up in white, Madrid’s leaders will be pleased with the bet.