Boston trades veteran Georges Niang and two second round picks to Utah for undrafted rookie RJ Luis Jr. signs Chris Boucher on a one year deal. A strategic salary dump and roster reset ahead of 2025–26 season.
🏀 Background & Context
On August 5‑6, 2025 the Boston Celtics executed two major moves:
- Traded forward Georges Niang and two future second round draft picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr. on a two-way contract
- Signed veteran forward Chris Boucher to a one year $3.3 million deal securing frontcourt depth and cutting salary under the luxury tax second apron
These moves follow previous summer transactions including trading away Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis and letting veterans like Al Horford depart reflecting a broader “gap‑year” strategy as star Jayson Tatum rehabs an Achilles injury.
🧩 The Trade Breakdown
Georges Niang → Utah Jazz
- Acquired by Boston as part of the Kristaps Porziņģis three-team trade on July 7, 2025
- Traded again just a month later to Utah along with two second round picks
- Salary relief: Niang’s $8.2M contract helps Boston move below the NBA’s second luxury tax apron
RJ Luis Jr. → Boston Celtics
- Undrafted rookie from St. John’s, Big East Player of the Year averaged 18.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.0 APG in 2024–25
- Signed initially to a two way contract allowing Boston to slot him into their G League affiliate the Maine Celtics
Chris Boucher → Free Agent Signing
- One year $3.3M deal secured to bolster Boston’s frontcourt
- Brings championship experience from Toronto averaged 10 PPG, 4.5 RPG in limited minutes last season
🧤 Player Profiles
RJ Luis Jr.
- Age: 22 years and Size: 6’7″, 215 lbs
- Career: UMass → St. John’s standout junior season and Big East honors consensus All‑American
- League outlook: Raw two way player potential to develop into rotation wing via the G League pathway
Georges Niang
- Veteran sharpshooter was born in Texas and 32 years in Age.
- NBA journey: Utah (2018–21) → Sixers → Cavaliers → Hawks → brief Celtics stint
- Known for career 40% three point shooting provides spacing and veteran leadership
Chris Boucher
- Forward/Center with stretch capabilities
- Former Raptors player member of 2019 championship team
- Brings physicality, floor spacing and rebounding on a low cost contract
🏗️ Strategic Impact
- Salary cap relief: Boston dropped below the second tax apron (saving roughly $8 million) aligning with their goal to manage luxury tax liabilities
- Roster flexibility: Clears space for future moves, veteran vetting and eventual return of Tatum and Brown
- “Gap Year” strategy: Focus on cap optimization and long term flexibility while Tatum rehabs
📋 How This Affects the Celtics
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Payroll Management | Niang trade and Boucher signing bring Boston nearly $8M below tax line |
| Youth Integration | RJ Luis Jr may spend time in G League but offers upside potential |
| Frontcourt Depth | Boucher adds experience and versatility to cover missing vet minutes |
| Long-term Outlook | Sets up flexible roster structure for return of stars in future seasons |
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💬 Coach & Media Insights
- Chris Forsberg (NBC Sports Boston): Explained that both moves were financial necessity more than basketball-first decisions essential to reset Boston’s luxury‑tax status.
- Brad Stevens’ Vision: Embraced “Gap Year” philosophy reducing over $300M in luxury tax obligations while retaining competitive potential if role players step up.
🔮 Looking Ahead
- RJ Luis Jr.: Development track via two way deal pre draft metrics suggest a player for growth with two way upside
- Chris Boucher: Likely a key rotation piece veteran presence to mentor young wings
- Boston Outlook: A leaner more flexible roster competitiveness hinges on breakout roles and Tatum’s return. Analysts project a decline for Celtics in 2025–26 if mistakes persist in rebuilding window.
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