Celtics Strengthen Roster with Strategic Moves
The Boston Celtics continue to make moves in the transfer market, making key transactions to strengthen their team for next season. In a recent operation, the Celtics have agreed to trade Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. Niang’s departure, whose salary exceeds $8 million, eases the team’s financial situation. This move allows Boston to stay below the second “apron”, a salary restriction that limits teams’ options regarding signings and transfers. In addition to Niang’s departure, the Celtics have finalized a one-year, $3.3 million deal with free agent power forward Chris Boucher. This signing strengthens the roster and adds experience and versatility to the team’s interior game. With these moves, the Celtics have managed to significantly reduce their payroll since the NBA draft, going from 540 million to 239 million dollars. The arrival of Boucher, with a guaranteed contract, assures him an important role in the team’s game plan. Boucher arrives in Boston after his time in Toronto, where he left an indelible mark, setting franchise records in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes, and games played off the bench. In addition, he was the last Raptors player who was part of the 2019 NBA champion team.On the other hand, Niang, who arrived at the Celtics in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, returns to Utah, where he played for four seasons, from 2017 to 2021. Throughout his career, Niang has proven to be a consistent shooter, with a 39.9% success rate on three-point shots.
RJ Luis Jr., 22, was selected by the Jazz after not being drafted, signing a two-way contract with the team.
