Boston's Celtics transfer Georges Niang, along with two second-round draft picks, to Utah's Jazz in exchange for RJ Luis Jr.
Boston Celtics Make Roster Moves Ahead of 2025-26 Season
The Boston Celtics have shuffled their roster for the upcoming 2025-26 season, trading Georges Niang and two second-round draft picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for guard/forward RJ Luis Jr.
Niang, who was drafted by the Indiana Pacers with the 50th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, spent four of his first five NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz before being traded. He is now on an expiring $8.2M contract.
This trade comes at a significant financial benefit for the Celtics, reducing their tax bill from $73.1 million to $30.4 million. The team is now $10.2 million below the second apron and just $1.7 million over the first apron.
The departure of key players such as Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet this summer has allowed the Celtics to reduce their total salary and luxury tax payments from $540 million to approximately $240 million this offseason.
With the trade, the Celtics are unlikely to be a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference next season. However, the team's current situation presents an opportunity for players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to achieve career-best numbers.
The Jazz, on the other hand, are acquiring Niang with part of the $26.6 million trade exception they received in dealing away John Collins. It remains uncertain whether the Milwaukee Bucks will be as strong due to potential changes with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As the trade deadline approaches, it's likely the Celtics will be under the first apron, providing more financial flexibility for future moves. The exact details of the trade and its impact on the Celtics' roster for 2025-26 are still emerging and may be subject to further confirmation.
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Despite trading Georges Niang and two second-round draft picks to the Utah Jazz ahead of the 2025-26 season, the Boston Celtics are unlikely to be a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference next season. However, the trade presents an opportunity for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to achieve career-best numbers, given the departure of key players previously on the roster. The NBA trade also enables the Celtics to obtain more financial flexibility for future moves, as they're expected to be well below the second apron by the trade deadline.
