Celtics shake up the market: Niang to Utah, Boucher to Boston
The Boston Celtics have finalized a strategic move involving Georges Niang and two future second-round picks. The player’s destination is the Utah Jazz, who will receive Niang in exchange for RJ Luis Jr., according to sources close to Alofoke Deportes.
The transfer of Niang, whose salary exceeds $8 million, will facilitate Utah’s use of a trade exception derived from the John Collins deal.
Simultaneously, the Celtics have secured a one-year, $3.3 million contract with free agent power forward Chris Boucher, according to his agent, Sam Permut.
This series of moves allows Boston to stay within the established financial limits, specifically below the “second apron” after the incorporation of Boucher. After both transactions, the team is $7.8 million below this limit, representing a saving of $34 million in luxury taxes.
From the NBA draft, the Celtics have managed to reduce their payroll from $540 million to $239 million.
Boucher, whose contract with Boston is guaranteed, will play an important role in the Celtics’ frontcourt. His arrival marks his departure from Toronto, where he holds the franchise’s all-time record for points, rebounds, blocks, minutes, and games played off the bench. In addition, he was the last member of the Raptors who was part of the 2019 NBA championship team.
Niang, 32, was acquired by the Celtics in the Kristaps Porzingis trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Now he returns to Utah, the team he played for during four seasons, from 2017 to 2021.
Throughout his career, Niang has proven to be a consistent three-point shooter, averaging 39.9% on more than four attempts per game. He is about to start his tenth season in the league.
RJ Luis, 22, was not drafted, but signed a two-way contract with the Jazz after his time at St. John’s.
