The Boston Celtics interrupted the NBA’s summer doldrums with a pair of interesting roster moves Tuesday afternoon.
First, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Celtics are trading Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for guard RJ Luis Jr.
Moments later, Charania reported that free-agent forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with Boston.
By moving on from Niang and his expiring $8.2 million contract, the Celtics save about $4.9 million against the cap for the 2025-26 season. They’re now roughly $6 million below the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax, and about $5.4 million above the first apron. They’re also $13.4 million away from getting out of the luxury tax entirely.
The Celtics acquired Niang — a Methuen, Mass., native — from the Hawks in June as part of a three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta. But Boston’s goal throughout this offseason has been to get out of the second apron and trim salary, which made it likely that the team would re-route Niang if the right suitor emerged.
As for Boston’s additions, Boucher provides welcome frontcourt depth at a relatively low cost. The 32-year-old averaged 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game with the Toronto Raptors last season and won a pair of NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors earlier in his career (2018 and 2019).
Boucher also has some, shall we say, “familiarity” with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
RJ Luis Jr., meanwhile, began his college career at UMass (2022-23) before transferring to St. John’s (2023-25). The 22-year-old went undrafted in 2025 before signing a two-way contract with the Jazz in June.
It’s possible the Celtics aren’t done dealing even after the Niang and Boucher moves. Boston reportedly is “actively shopping” guard Anfernee Simons, who is making $27.7 million on the final year of his deal.
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