Celtics Make Strategic Move
The Boston Celtics have traded forward Georges Niang, along with two future second-round draft picks, to the Utah Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr., as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Niang Returns to Utah
Niang, who previously played for the Jazz from 2017 to 2021, is making a return, while his salary of over $8 million fits into the Jazz’s extensive trade exception from the recent John Collins deal. This move provides the Celtics with greater financial flexibility under the NBA’s second apron.
Details of the Collins Deal
- The Collins trade was part of a three-team deal involving the Jazz, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Clippers.
- As part of this trade, Collins moved from Utah to Los Angeles, while Norman Powell went to Miami.
- The Jazz acquired Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, a second-round pick from the Clippers for 2027, and a trade exception.
This trade exception enabled the Jazz to acquire Niang and provide the Celtics with much-needed cap relief in exchange for future draft assets.
Celtics Gain a Promising Prospect
Along with clearing Niang’s salary, the Celtics have added an exciting prospect in RJ Luis Jr. The 6-foot-7, 215-pound swingman was named the Big East Player of the Year and went undrafted after an impressive season at St. John’s, where he averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds while leading the Red Storm to a 31-win season and a No. 2 seed in the recent NCAA tournament.
Although Luis signed a two-way deal with the Jazz, he is now looking to secure a spot with the Celtics.
Signing Chris Boucher
The Celtics have also signed free agent forward Chris Boucher to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million, as reported by Charania. Boucher, who has been with the Toronto Raptors, was the last remaining player from their 2019 NBA championship team. Throughout his seven seasons in Toronto, he never averaged more than 13.6 points or 6.7 rebounds per game, yet he leaves as the franchise’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes, and games played off the bench.
Financial Moves and Future Goals
These transactions highlight the Celtics’ ongoing effort to manage their payroll. Earlier this summer, Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, stated the need for the team to operate below the second apron, a financial threshold that limits overspending above the NBA’s salary cap and luxury tax without incurring hefty penalties.
In pursuit of a championship, which culminated in the franchise’s 18th NBA title in 2024, the Celtics faced financial constraints over the past two seasons. Trading guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porziņģis reflected their intention to reduce expenses. Interestingly, Niang joined the Celtics through the Porziņģis trade but has now left without playing a game for the team.
According to ESPN, the Celtics are now $7.8 million beneath the second apron and have saved $34 million in luxury tax penalties from these recent transactions.
