Celtics Sacrifice Niang and Secure Boucher in Strategic Moves
In a series of strategic moves, the Boston Celtics have finalized a trade involving Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. The news was announced this Tuesday, marking an adjustment in the team’s configuration for the upcoming season.
The transfer of Niang, whose salary exceeds $8 million, will allow Utah to use the trade exception derived from the John Collins deal. This maneuver provides financial flexibility to both teams in their respective roster strategies.
In parallel, the Celtics have reached an agreement for one year and $3.3 million with free agent power forward Chris Boucher. This move reinforces Boston’s offensive zone and demonstrates the team’s ability to adapt to market dynamics.
Thanks to the Niang trade and the incorporation of Boucher, the Celtics remain below the second salary cap, allowing them to avoid significant tax penalties. With these operations, the team has managed to reduce its payroll by $301 million since the NBA draft, an indication of their prudent financial management.
Chris Boucher, whose contract with Boston is guaranteed, will play an important role in the Celtics’ frontcourt. Boucher leaves Toronto, where he holds the franchise record for points, rebounds, blocks, minutes, and games played off the bench. In addition, he was the last remaining member of the Raptors from the 2019 NBA championship team.
Georges Niang, 32, arrived at the Celtics in the trade that involved Kristaps Porzingis with the Atlanta Hawks. Now he returns to Utah, where he played for four seasons, from 2017 to 2021.
Niang, with a distinguished career in the NBA, averages 39.9% accuracy in three-point shots, with more than four attempts per game. He is about to start his tenth season in the league.
RJ Luis, 22, went undrafted, but signed a two-way contract with the Jazz after his time at St. John’s.
