The Boston Celtics traded forward Georges Niang and two second-round draft picks to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday in exchange for rookie forward RJ Luis Jr., according to ESPN. This deal not only aids Boston with managing luxury tax concerns but also frees up a roster spot since Luis is on a two-way contract.

Celtics Add Chris Boucher to Roster

With the open spot created by the trade, the Celtics signed forward Chris Boucher to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million, confirmed by Boucher’s agent. Boucher brings experience off the bench from his time with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.2 minutes over 50 games last season.

Georges Niang’s Career and Recent Moves

Niang, a Massachusetts native, was recently acquired by Boston in a three-team trade involving the Atlanta Hawks but never appeared in a game for the Celtics. At 32, he averaged a career-best 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds last season across 79 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Hawks. Over his 544-game career with five teams, Niang has averaged 7.4 points and 2.5 rebounds, shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range. Notably, he spent four seasons with the Jazz from 2017 to 2021 as a reserve forward.

Young Talent Added with RJ Luis Jr.

The 22-year-old RJ Luis Jr., acquired by Boston, went undrafted this past June and missed the Summer League due to a knee injury. Luis played his freshman season at UMass before transferring to St. John’s, where he earned Big East Player of the Year honors and was named an Associated Press second-team All-American as a swingman.

Chris Boucher’s Role and Performance

Boucher, also 32, has contributed solid minutes for Toronto and previously played one game with Golden State. Over 407 career games, he has averaged 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds, providing reliable bench scoring and defense.

Implications of the Celtics’ Roster Changes

This trade and subsequent signing reflect the Celtics’ strategic balancing of talent, finances, and roster flexibility. Bringing back a familiar player like Niang to Utah reshapes Boston’s forward depth, while Luis provides potential upside as a young swingman. Meanwhile, adding Boucher offers experience and energy off the bench, positioning Boston to enhance its competitiveness this coming season.