“Full circle,” RJ Luis Jr. declared on his Instagram Story, marking his unexpected return to Massachusetts. The 6-foot-7 wing, a former University of Massachusetts standout, has landed with the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster trade that’s shaking up the NBA landscape. Acquired from the Utah Jazz, where he initially signed a two-way deal, Luis now steps into a pivotal role for a Celtics team navigating a challenging “gap year” season.
The trade, orchestrated by Celtics general manager Brad Stevens, saw Boston offload forward Georges Niang’s contract to Utah, sweetened with a pair of second-round picks. In return, the Celtics secured Luis and a valuable $8 million trade-Ag trade exception. It’s a move that signals Boston’s focus on financial flexibility amid a roster rebuild, especially with six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles tendon tear.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/danield1214/status/1958888716895658096
Luis, who went undrafted out of St. John’s in June 2024, brings a dynamic skill set to the parquet. During his All-American final season at St. John’s, the 22-year-old averaged an impressive 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, shooting .439/.336/.747. His athleticism and versatility as a shooting guard/small forward make him a tantalizing prospect for a team in need of fresh talent.
With Boston’s roster undergoing a major overhaul—losing championship starters Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and with backup center Luke Kornet departing in free agency—the spotlight is on young players like Luis and rookies Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28 pick from Real Madrid), Amari Williams (No. 46 pick from Kentucky), and Max Shulga (No. 57 pick from VCU) to bolster the team’s depth. As a two-way player, Luis will split time between the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, with a 50-game limit in the NBA this season unless converted to a standard contract.
The departure of key veterans and Tatum’s injury have left a void on the perimeter, but Luis’s slashing drives and defensive prowess could fill it. Meanwhile, the potential exit of backup big man Al Horford to the Golden State Warriors looms large, adding pressure on Boston’s young core to step up.
This trade marks a bold pivot for Stevens, who’s balancing salary cuts with high-upside acquisitions. Luis’s homecoming to Massachusetts could be the spark the Celtics need in a transitional season. As the green faithful brace for change, all eyes are on this rising star to deliver.