Celtics Trade Niang, Acquire Boucher, Cut Costs
It was anticipated that Georges Niang would join the Boston Celtics, but the Lawrence, Mass., native did not stay long enough to play for the team.
In a move aimed at reducing costs, the Celtics traded Niang, acquired from Atlanta earlier in the offseason, along with two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie R.J. Louis Jr., as confirmed by sources to The Athletic. This trade allowed Boston to save approximately $8 million under the collective bargaining agreement’s second-apron payroll threshold, although they remain about $12 million above the $187.9 million luxury tax limit.
According to ESPN, the Jazz will receive the better of Cleveland’s or Boston’s 2031 second-round pick and the better of Boston’s or Orlando’s 2027 second-round pick in the deal.
Chris Boucher, a free agent center who played with the Toronto Raptors for seven seasons, has joined the Celtics. With career experience of 7,216 minutes and a history of solid 3-point shooting, Boucher will provide depth to Boston's frontcourt, competing for playing time with other centers on the team.
By trading Niang, who was set to earn $8.2 million this season, the Celtics addressed financial concerns but created a gap at power forward, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined. The team now faces uncertainty at the position, with Xavier Tillman potentially being the only natural power forward on the roster.
Niang, who also plays power forward, was at risk of being traded due to payroll reasons after arriving in Boston in a previous trade. The Celtics managed to move him to Utah without taking on additional NBA salary, as two-way contracts do not impact the team's salary cap or luxury tax status.
R.J. Louis Jr., a 22-year-old who recently signed a two-way contract with the Jazz after a successful college career at St. John’s, adds to the Celtics' roster depth. His arrival, along with other two-way players, may affect the status of Miles Norris, whose future with the team is yet to be determined.