The Boston Celtics have traded forward Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN‘s Shams Charania. Alongside Niang, the Celtics included two second-round draft picks in the deal and received rookie guard RJ Luis Jr. in exchange. This transaction reflects Boston’s ongoing efforts to manage their roster and payroll efficiently while acquiring promising young talent.
Details of the Trade and Roster Adjustments
The Utah Jazz plan to use the trade exception generated from sending John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers to absorb Niang’s contract. Niang is set to earn $8.2 million in the next season and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. The Celtics initially acquired Niang as part of the three-team trade involving Kristaps Porziņģis last June.
Following the trade, the Celtics signed Chris Boucher, formerly of the Toronto Raptors, to a one-year deal worth $3.3 million. Boucher’s agent, Sam Permut, confirmed the signing to Charania. The 32-year-old forward comes off the bench having played 50 games last season with Toronto, averaging 10 points per game on efficient shooting splits.
Payroll Impact and Celtics’ Salary Cap Strategy
This move helped the Celtics reduce their luxury tax bill dramatically—from $73.1 million to $30.4 million, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks. After training Niang away and adding Boucher, the team sits slightly above the first apron by about $4 million but remains nearly $7.8 million below the second apron, according to CapSheets data.
Earlier this offseason, Celtics general manager Brad Stevens mentioned that managing roster payroll below the second apron was a key reason for trading high-salary players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. Boston’s offseason moves have collectively cut over $300 million in payroll and luxury tax expenses so far.
RJ Luis Jr. Joins Celtics’ Development Roster
Rookie guard RJ Luis Jr., who signed a two-way contract reportedly valid for two years, will fill the Celtics’ final two-way contract spot alongside Miles Norris and Max Shulga. Luis will be expected to contribute as the team balances experience and youth depth throughout the season.
NBA insider Jake Fischer noted earlier in 2024 that the Celtics had expressed ongoing interest in Boucher before acquiring him now, indicating a strategic fit within the team’s roster plans.
Looking Ahead: Celtics’ Financial Flexibility and Roster Outlook
The Celtics’ moves this offseason reflect their broader goal of maintaining cap flexibility and cultivating young talent, all while strategically managing luxury tax liabilities. The addition of Boucher and Luis, along with trading Niang, provides Boston with a more balanced payroll and potential growth players heading into the new season.