News Summary
The Boston Celtics have completed a trade with the Utah Jazz, sending forward Georges Niang and two future draft picks in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. This trade marks a pivotal moment in the Celtics’ roster reshaping efforts. Additionally, Boston has signed veteran Chris Boucher to a one-year contract, further enhancing their front court. With recent transactions, including key player movements, the Celtics are strategically maneuvering for an impactful upcoming season while also managing their financial obligations.
Boston Celtics Complete Trade with Utah Jazz
The Boston Celtics have officially traded forward Georges Niang and two future second-round draft picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. The trade marks a significant shift for the Celtics and was reported on Tuesday, signaling the latest in a series of roster changes aimed at reshaping the team for the upcoming season.
In addition to the trade for Luis, Boston signed veteran forward Chris Boucher to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million. This move adds more depth to the Celtics’ front court as they prepare for the new season following impactful changes to their lineup.
Details of the Trade
Niang’s trade comes just a month after he was acquired by Boston from a three-team deal that also involved Kristaps Porzingis moving to Atlanta. Previously, Niang had spent four seasons with the Utah Jazz before joining the Celtics. During his last season, Niang participated in 79 games between Atlanta and Cleveland, averaging 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. This trade enables Boston to shed the remaining year of Niang’s contract, ultimately saving the team $8 million in luxury tax obligations.
Boucher’s Addition
As Boston looks to strengthen its roster, Boucher’s signing is significant. The 2022-23 season saw him average 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while playing for the Toronto Raptors, where he was a key member of the team during their 2019 championship run. With Boucher on board, Boston remains under the NBA’s second penalty apron, now positioned approximately $8 million below the penalty threshold and around $5.4 million above the first apron.
Ongoing Roster Reshuffling
Niang’s departure is part of a broader roster reshuffling that has seen the Celtics move several key players, including Porzingis, Luke Kornet, JD Davison, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford over the course of the offseason. This year is shaping up to be a rebuilding phase for Boston, particularly as star player Jayson Tatum recuperates from an Achilles injury sustained during the playoff series against the Knicks.
The Celtics’ moves have also resulted in a significant decrease in their tax bill, dropping from $73.1 million to $30.4 million following these trades. These fiscal maneuvers indicate a strategic approach in balancing both team capability and financial obligations as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Implications for Utah and Boston
For the Utah Jazz, acquiring Niang is a step towards bolstering their team with veteran experience, complementing their young roster, which includes the No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey. Niang brings with him a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 40% from his previous season, making him an asset for the Jazz as they develop their squad.
The Celtics, having secured rookie RJ Luis Jr., who was named the 2024-25 Big East Player of the Year while at St. John’s University, are adding promising talent to their ranks. The ongoing reshaping of the Celtics’ roster signals a commitment to both current competitiveness and future potential.
Future Developments
Beyond these current trades, reports indicate that the Celtics are exploring potential trades involving guard Anfernee Simons, who has a $27.7 million contract in its final year. As Boston continues to navigate these transactions, the team’s direction for the upcoming season will become clearer.
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Additional Resources
- NBA.com: Celtics Trade Georges Niang to Jazz
- New York Post: Celtics Trade Georges Niang to Jazz
- CelticsBlog: Celtics Trade Georges Niang
- NBC Sports Boston: Georges Niang Trade
- SI.com: Celtics Trade Georges Niang
- Wikipedia: Boston Celtics
- Google Search: Georges Niang
- Google Scholar: Georges Niang
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Celtics
- Google News: Boston Celtics
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