In a whirlwind of offseason moves, the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz recently struck a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The deal saw undrafted free agent guard RJ Luis Jr. head to Boston in exchange for fan-favorite Georges Niang and two future second-round picks in 2027 and 2031. For the Celtics, this trade was another savvy step in trimming salary while reshaping their roster for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Jazz scored a pair of draft picks and welcomed back a beloved former player. But the real story lies in how close the Celtics came to signing Luis Jr. before the Jazz swooped in—and how fate ultimately brought him to Beantown.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, RJ Luis Jr. was at a crossroads this summer after going undrafted. The dynamic guard, fresh off a stellar college season, faced a tough choice between signing with the Celtics or the Jazz as an undrafted free agent. Ultimately, Luis Jr. inked a two-way contract with Utah, leaving Boston as the runner-up in his decision. But in a twist of fate, just a month after joining the Jazz, Luis Jr. was traded to the very team that nearly secured him from the start—the Celtics.
Luis Jr.’s journey to the NBA has been anything but ordinary. A three-year college standout, he showcased his talents at both UMass and St. John’s, with his 2024-25 season at St. John’s marking a breakout campaign. Averaging an impressive 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals over 35 games, Luis Jr. shot 43.9% from the field and 33.9% from beyond the arc. His electrifying play earned him consensus Second Team All-American honors and a spot on the All-Big East First Team. Despite these accolades, the 2025 NBA Draft came and went without his name being called among the 59 picks, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
For the Celtics, landing Luis Jr. is a coup, even if it wasn’t their first shot at him. The versatile guard now joins a Boston roster brimming with talent, where he’s expected to split time between the NBA squad and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. Alongside fellow two-way signees Max Shulga and Amari Williams, Luis Jr. will have a chance to prove himself in one of the league’s most competitive environments. While Utah may have won the initial signing, Boston’s persistence paid off, securing a player with star potential who could become a steal from this year’s undrafted pool.