Celtics

Celtics reportedly trade Georges Niang, 2 draft picks to Utah Jazz

The Celtics lessened their tax bill by tens of millions by moving Niang's contract off their books.

Georges Niang's tenure in Boston was short-lived. AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

August 5, 2025

1 minute to read

Georges Niang’s tenure with the Celtics appears to have been very short-lived.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Celtics traded the veteran big man and Massachusetts native and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr.

Moving on from Niang and his $8.2 expiring contract will help alleviate Boston’s still-hefty tax bill for next season, with ESPN’s Bobby Marks noting that Boston’s tax penalties dropped from $73.1 million to $30.4 million by moving Niang’s contract.

The Celtics subsequently signed veteran forward Chris Boucher to a one-year, $3.3 million, with Boston accounting for Niang’s spot in the frontcourt with a cheaper alternative in Boucher.

Marks added that Boston’s projected salary and luxury tax bill on June 15 was projected to come in at a whopping $540 million. Since then, a flurry of moves by Brad Stevens now has that total bill down to $239 million.

A summer of savings and reshaping their roster pic.twitter.com/I4CsYlSOXT
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 5, 2025

Niang, 32, was originally acquired by Boston earlier this offseason as one of the returns for the Celtics’ trade that sent Kristaps Porzingins to Atlanta.

Over 79 games (three starts) between the Cavaliers and Hawks last season, Niang averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

He had big shoes to fill following the departure of Porzingis, but Niang was seemingly a good fit for a Joe Mazzulla-coached roster, considering that he sank 40.6 percent of his shots from 3-point range in 2024-25.

Niang will now return to the Utah Jazz, whom he played for from 2017-21.

Lessening that luxury-tax bill and freeing up the capital to sign a cheaper alternative in Boucher was likely Stevens’ top focus with this deal. But, Boston also acquired an intriguing asset in Luis Jr.

An undrafted guard who signed with the Jazz after the 2025 NBA Draft concluded, the 22-year-old Luis Jr. started his career with UMass before transferring to St. John’s from 2023-25.

During the 2024-25 season with the Red Storm, Luis Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists for the Red Storm, and won Big East Player of the Year honors.