The Boston Celtics’ recent move to acquire two-way forward RJ Luis Jr. from the Utah Jazz may look like a simple salary dump on paper — but behind the scenes, it’s a story months in the making.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Boston actually had their eyes on Luis Jr. back in June, when the undrafted rookie was weighing offers from both the Celtics and the Jazz. Ultimately, Luis chose Utah, signing a two-way deal — a decision that delayed his arrival in Boston until now.
Last week, the Celtics packaged Georges Niang and two second-round picks in a deal with Utah. The primary motive was financial — moving Niang’s contract to cut down Boston’s luxury tax bill. But the extra draft pick sweetener? That was likely the price to pry Luis Jr. from a Jazz roster that had held his rights for barely a month.
In a surprising twist, Utah dealt Luis Jr. just 30 days after signing him. The rookie never logged a minute in Summer League action due to a leg injury, making his Jazz tenure more of a paper transaction than an on-court opportunity.
At 22 years old, Luis Jr. already carries an impressive résumé.
UMass standout (2022–23): Named to the Atlantic 10 All-Freshman Team.
St. John’s star: Spent two seasons under legendary coach Rick Pitino, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last year.
National recognition: Earned Second-Team All-American honors before declaring for the NBA Draft.
His size, versatility, and scoring ability made him one of the most intriguing undrafted prospects of the summer — and clearly worth Boston’s persistence.
To fit Luis Jr., along with rookies Max Shulga and Amari Williams, the Celtics waived two-way forward Miles Norris on Sunday. Shulga has already signed his deal, while Williams is expected to ink his contract later this month.