Georges Niang is officially back with the Utah Jazz for the 2025-26 NBA season and will don the number 31 jersey once again, marking a return to the same number he wore during his initial years with the team. This announcement follows last week’s trade that brought Niang back to Utah after a stint with the Boston Celtics.
Details of the Trade and Niang’s Role in the Team
The trade sending Niang back to Utah involved the Jazz acquiring him along with two future second-round draft picks, with undrafted rookie R.J. Luis moving to Boston as part of the exchange. Niang was the last Jazz player to wear the number 31 jersey before this recent move, making his return to Utah a notable moment for both the player and the franchise.
Niang’s Recent Performance and Career Background
During the previous NBA season, Georges Niang played for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks after being traded before the deadline. Over 79 games, he posted some of the strongest numbers of his career, including 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting an efficient 46.1% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range—the best shooting percentages he has recorded since his last period with Utah in 2021.
Niang entered the NBA as a second-round draft pick in 2016 from Iowa State and spent his rookie season with the Indiana Pacers before joining Utah. Throughout his first tenure with the Jazz from 2017 to 2021, he was a reliable rotational player known for his outside shooting, averaging 5.5 points and 1.9 rebounds over 206 games, with a notable 41.1% accuracy from beyond the arc during that time.
The Changing Landscape of the Utah Jazz Roster
Now 32 years old and returning after four seasons away, Niang joins a Jazz team that looks very different from the one he left behind. The roster no longer centers around stars like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert; instead, the franchise is focused on youth development and rebuilding. In this evolving environment, Niang will serve as one of the veteran leaders, providing experience and stability to support the team’s younger players.
Looking Ahead: Niang’s Impact on the Jazz’s Future
Georges Niang’s return to Utah and reclaiming the number 31 jersey symbolizes both a nod to the past and hope for the future. As the Jazz prioritize nurturing young talent and rebuilding their core, having a seasoned forward with Niang’s skills and experience could play a key role in guiding the new generation. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Niang’s veteran presence influences the team’s growth and performance in the coming season.