Boston Celtics fans won’t have to worry about watching Georges Niang suit up for the roster next season. The 32-year-old forward was traded to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, August 5. Boston packaged Niang with two future second-round picks to get the deal over the line; two-way wing RJ Luis Jr. is heading to the Celtics in the opposite direction.
The move saved Boston close to $40 million in luxury taxes, while also opening up an additional roster spot. Brad Stevens moved quickly to replace Niang, signing Chris Boucher to a one-year $3.3 million contract. The back-to-back moves were certainly made due to financial reasons; however, the on-court fit is likely better, too.
Shortly after news of the trade broke, Jack Simone and Sam LaFrance of the “How ‘Bout Them Celtics?” podcast explored Boston’s reasoning for moving on from Niang and why the luxury tax savings were undoubtedly a driving force. They also briefly touched on Luis Jr. and what to expect from the undrafted rookie in the upcoming season.
You can watch the full podcast episode by clicking on the embedded video above.
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