In a jaw-dropping move that has sent ripples through the NBA, the Boston Celtics have traded nine-year veteran Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr., according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This unexpected deal marks a bold shift for the Celtics as they reshape their roster while providing Niang with a homecoming to the Jazz, where he previously played.
Niang, coming off a solid season split between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, showcased his sharpshooting prowess in 2024-25. The forward averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game across 79 contests, shooting an impressive 46.1% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc. His consistent three-point shooting and veteran presence made him a valuable asset, but the Celtics are now pivoting toward youth and flexibility.
The Boston Celtics are trading Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/l7h0cGobfU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2025
Over his nine-year career, Niang has carved out a reliable role as a floor-spacing forward, with career averages of 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and 39.9% from three in 544 games. Having suited up for the Jazz, 76ers, Pacers, Cavaliers, and Hawks, Niang’s return to Utah is a full-circle moment. According to Charania, his salary will slide into the Jazz’s massive John Collins trade exception, accompanied by the two draft picks, bolstering Utah’s future assets.
Niang returns to Utah now and his salary goes into the massive John Collins trade exception along with two draft assets. The move allows the Celtics have more salary relief below the second apron. https://t.co/y09vRzWxGx
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2025
For the Celtics, the trade is a strategic maneuver to gain salary relief below the second apron, creating more financial flexibility for future moves. In return, they acquire RJ Luis Jr., a 22-year-old guard who went undrafted this summer after a standout season at St. John’s. Luis posted an impressive 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in 35 appearances (32 starts), shooting 43.9% from the field. His athleticism and scoring ability make him an intriguing addition to Boston’s roster, as noted by Noa Dalzell of Celtics on CLNS, who highlighted his recent two-way contract with the Jazz.
This trade signals Boston’s willingness to take risks, swapping a proven veteran for an unproven but high-upside rookie. As the NBA landscape continues to shift, all eyes will be on how Niang fits back into Utah’s plans and whether Luis can make an immediate impact in Beantown. The Celtics have once again proven they’re not afraid to shake things up in pursuit of championship glory.