🏀 Celtics–Jazz Trade: RJ Luis Jr. Heads to Boston, Niang Returns to Utah
In a surprising move that shook up the NBA trade market, the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz finalized a deal involving young prospect RJ Luis Jr. and veteran sharpshooter Georges Niang, along with the exchange of future draft picks.
🔄 Trade Details
On August 5, 2025, both teams agreed to the following terms:
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Georges Niang moves from Boston to Utah.
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RJ Luis Jr. moves from Utah to Boston.
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Utah receives two future second-round picks as part of the deal.
🌟 Who Is RJ Luis Jr.?
RJ Luis Jr., 22, had an impressive run with St. John’s during the 2024–25 season, earning multiple accolades:
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Big East Player of the Year
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Big East Tournament MVP
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Selection to the All-American Team
Despite going undrafted in 2025, he signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz and was seen as a developmental piece. However, a knee injury kept him out of Summer League action.
🎯 Who Is Georges Niang?
Niang, 32, is well-known for his elite three-point shooting, with a career average of nearly 40% from beyond the arc. His NBA journey has included stints with:
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Indiana Pacers
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Utah Jazz
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Philadelphia 76ers
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Cleveland Cavaliers
He joined Boston in July 2025 as part of a blockbuster deal involving Kristaps Porziņģis but never played a game for the Celtics before being traded back to Utah.
💰 The Financial Angle
This deal is as much about the books as it is about basketball:
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Niang’s contract carried a $8.2 million salary for the season.
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Moving his deal cut Boston’s luxury tax bill from roughly $73 million to about $30 million.
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The Celtics also avoided restrictions under the Second Tax Apron, giving them greater roster flexibility.
📈 On-Court Benefits for Both Sides
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Boston Celtics: Acquire a young, long, defensive-minded wing with developmental upside.
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Utah Jazz: Bring back a proven shooter who can contribute immediately, plus add valuable future draft assets.
🧐 Trade Analysis
For Boston, the move fits their salary restructuring strategy after a summer of roster shake-ups and key departures. For Utah, it’s about balancing present needs with future planning—getting a reliable veteran while building draft capital.
🏆 Bottom Line
The RJ Luis Jr.–Georges Niang trade is a prime example of how financial considerations and basketball decisions are deeply intertwined in the NBA.
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Boston: Cap relief + young talent
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Utah: Veteran experience + draft assets
While it may not grab headlines like star player moves, it’s a smart, calculated play by both front offices.
📌 Sources: Official team announcements, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, Reuters.
