The Boston Celtics continue reducing their salary and tax burden for next season by trading another player from their roster.
Shams Charania reported that the Boston Celtics traded newly-acquired forward Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr.
Charania explained that Niang’s salary fits into the large John Collins trade exception, allowing the Celtics to achieve additional salary relief below the second apron threshold.
The Boston Celtics are trading Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/l7h0cGobfU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2025
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With Niang’s expiring $8.2 million contract off their books, Boston drops further under the second apron and saves more than $40 million in luxury tax payments.
This financial relief represented the organization’s primary mission heading into this season.
Utah is acquiring Georges Niang with part of the $26.6M John Collins Trade Exception.
Niang is on an expiring $8.2M contract.
Celtics tax bill drops from $73.1M to $30.4M.
They are now $10.2M below the 2nd apron and $1.7M over the 1st.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 5, 2025
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Niang’s brief Boston tenure ends quickly
Niang departs Boston after spending less than two months with the franchise, making his tenure one of the briefest in recent team history.
The 32-year-old Massachusetts native was traded to Boston just days after the 2024-25 season concluded.
He arrived through a three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to Atlanta, while Brooklyn received Terance Mann and draft rights to Drake Powell.
Shortly after joining Boston, Niang addressed criticism from Celtics fans who wanted him gone quickly, comparing himself as a minivan to the departed ‘unicorn‘ Porzingis in terms of fan reception.
Photo by Dustin Satloff/GettyRJ Luis Jr provides young talent return
The Celtics receive 22-year-old rookie Luis Jr in the transaction. The undrafted guard from the 2025 NBA Draft spent his final two college seasons at St. John’s.
During his last collegiate campaign, Luis Jr produced impressive numbers including 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 43.9% from the field and 33.6% from three-point range across 35 games.
His 31.8 minutes per game demonstrated his significant role within St. John’s system. The production suggests potential for NBA development despite going undrafted.
Celtics fans celebrate financial flexibility
Boston supporters expressed satisfaction with the trade’s financial implications rather than mourning Niang’s departure. The move creates roster flexibility while reducing luxury tax burden.
“Best news of the offseason so far,” one fan commented, reflecting widespread approval of the salary relief. “We didn’t want him,” another supporter added bluntly.
Amazing, best news of the offseason so far.
— Mfjewz (@mfjewz) August 5, 2025
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Some fans acknowledged Niang’s abilities while supporting the business decision. “Like Niang, but it’s a good financial move,” one fan noted pragmatically.
Others highlighted the trade chain’s ultimate result. “We traded Kristaps for RJ Luis Jr,” another fan observed, summarizing the roster transformation.
The financial relief provides Boston with space to pursue additional signings or prepare for future roster construction, especially when Jayson Tatum comes back from injury.