Jazz Trade Rookie Luis Jr. for Niang, Two Second-Round Picks

The Boston Celtics have traded forward Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz in exchange for undrafted rookie RJ Luis Jr. and two future second-round draft picks, in a move primarily aimed at reducing salary cap costs and avoiding luxury tax penalties. Niang, who was acquired by the Celtics in early July as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade, will return to Utah, where he played from 2017 to 2021 and was known for his consistent three-point shooting. The Jazz will absorb Niang's $8.2 million expiring contract using a trade exception generated from a previous John Collins deal, which leaves them with additional salary cap flexibility. RJ Luis Jr., a 22-year-old wing who had a strong college career at UMass and St. John's, will join the Celtics on a two-way contract. The Celtics' salary cap relief from the trade is significant, dropping their tax bill substantially and providing more flexibility as they rebuild following Jayson Tatum's season-ending injury. The Jazz now have a slightly over-the-limit roster and are expected to make further moves to comply with NBA roster rules.