Breaking Trade: Boston Celtics Send Georges Niang and Two Future Second-Round Picks to Utah Jazz for Rookie RJ Luis Jr.
In a move that caught many observers by surprise, the Boston Celtics have completed a trade with the Utah Jazz, sending veteran forward Georges Niang and two future second-round draft picks in exchange for rookie guard RJ Luis Jr. The trade represents a calculated risk by the Celtics and a strategic asset play by the Jazz, with both franchises operating under very different timelines and roster-building philosophies. For Boston, this marks another example of Brad Stevens’ proactive approach to team construction — one that blends veteran talent with young developmental upside. For Utah, it’s a move that aligns with its desire to surround a young core with established veterans while continuing to build out its asset base.
Georges Niang, a 31-year-old forward with a well-earned reputation as a dependable floor-spacer, had only recently joined the Celtics. Known across the league for his toughness, locker-room presence, and three-point shooting, Niang was expected to contribute meaningful minutes off the bench in Boston’s deep rotation. However, with the Celtics already boasting a frontcourt packed with talent in Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis, and others, Niang found himself in a crowded situation with limited playing time. Rather than allowing that roster spot to stagnate, Boston opted to move Niang in order to bring in a young talent and a more flexible contract.
The return is RJ Luis Jr., a 22-year-old undrafted rookie who signed a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz following the 2025 NBA Draft. While not a household name, Luis emerged from college with a reputation as a versatile, athletic guard capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. After transferring from UMass to St. John’s for his final collegiate season, he showed flashes of scoring ability, perimeter defense, and transition play that caught the attention of scouts around the league. Though he went undrafted, Utah moved quickly to secure him on a two-way deal, believing in his upside and raw potential.
Now, the Celtics are betting on that same upside. By acquiring Luis, Boston is shifting one of its veteran rotation spots into a developmental slot — a trend that has become more common among elite teams looking to balance immediate contention with long-term sustainability. With the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement putting increasing financial pressure on luxury tax teams, particularly those above the second apron, inexpensive contracts and young talent have become increasingly valuable. A player like Luis, still developing and on a low-cost two-way deal, gives the Celtics cap flexibility while offering a long-term project for their player development staff to mold.
The inclusion of two future second-round picks going to Utah is notable, as it reflects Boston’s willingness to attach real value to create this opportunity. In recent years, second-round picks have grown in importance, especially with the rise of second-round success stories like Nikola Jokić, Herb Jones, and Andrew Nembhard. Still, the Celtics have amassed several such picks through previous trades and feel comfortable using them to acquire a player they believe has the tools to become a contributor in the future.
For Utah, the return of Georges Niang brings both familiarity and functionality. Niang previously played for the Jazz from 2018 to 2021, developing into a fan favorite and a key bench contributor. His ability to space the floor from the power forward position made him a valuable piece during Utah’s playoff runs alongside Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. Bringing him back into the fold gives the Jazz an experienced voice in the locker room and a player who understands head coach Will Hardy’s expectations and culture.
Moreover, Niang’s skill set complements Utah’s young roster. With players like Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Collin Sexton continuing to grow, the Jazz are prioritizing structure and shooting around their core. Niang can play an important role as a mentor while providing 15–20 quality minutes per night, depending on matchups. His floor spacing is particularly valuable for a team still finding its offensive rhythm and identity.
The additional second-round picks give Utah even more flexibility moving forward. Already loaded with draft capital from previous trades involving stars like Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz can now package these picks in future trades, use them to move up in the draft, or continue to add depth to their development pipeline. It’s a low-risk, high-value transaction for a team still in the process of deciding when to pivot from retooling to competing again.
For Boston, RJ Luis Jr. is now the latest in a line of young prospects being brought into the organization with the hope of developing into future rotation players. The Celtics have already shown success with this approach. Sam Hauser went undrafted and is now a key bench shooter. Payton Pritchard, a late first-round pick, has turned into a valuable role player. The team has consistently demonstrated an ability to take under-the-radar talent and refine their skills within a structured system that emphasizes defense, ball movement, and positional versatility.
Luis fits the mold in several ways. At 6-foot-6 with long arms and quick feet, he can guard multiple positions on the perimeter and offers value as a slasher. While his jump shot remains inconsistent, his mechanics aren’t broken, and Boston’s shooting development staff has a track record of helping players improve their form. With time spent in the G League under the Maine Celtics, Luis will have every opportunity to improve in a competitive but supportive environment. The two-way contract also gives the Celtics time to evaluate him without using a full roster spot, keeping their books clean and their roster malleable.
The timing of this trade also raises some eyebrows in terms of Boston’s long-term strategy. Coming off a season where they were once again among the Eastern Conference’s top teams, the Celtics are not in rebuilding mode — they are in win-now mode. But the balance that Brad Stevens continues to strike involves keeping one eye on the present and one on the future. With a core of stars in their prime and a bench built with veterans, it’s precisely the kind of environment where a young player like Luis can grow without being rushed. He won’t be asked to carry a load; he’ll be asked to learn, contribute where he can, and be ready if and when his number is called.
There’s also the business side of the trade to consider. While Niang’s contract wasn’t massive, moving him off the books does help Boston slightly in terms of luxury tax implications. The NBA’s second apron system penalizes high-spending teams in several ways — including limiting their ability to make midseason trades or sign buyout players. By creating more breathing room, the Celtics improve their flexibility for future transactions while opening a slot for a younger, cheaper player.
This deal also sends a message to the rest of the roster. Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla continue to reward development and performance over name recognition. The Celtics are building a culture where hard work and growth are valued, and where opportunity exists even for those who weren’t lottery picks or All-Stars. RJ Luis Jr. represents potential — untapped and untested — but the Celtics believe they have the infrastructure to turn that into production.
On the court, it’s unlikely that Luis sees consistent minutes right away. He’ll need to earn his spot through Summer League, training camp, and time in the G League. But in terms of long-term planning, he gives Boston another athletic wing to mold — a valuable asset in today’s NBA, where size and switchability on the perimeter are at a premium.
Ultimately, this trade encapsulates where both teams are at this moment in time. The Celtics, laser-focused on contending, are still finding ways to add youth and stay ahead of the financial curve. The Jazz, building toward the future while staying competitive, are adding shooting, experience, and more draft capital. It’s a win-win on paper — a trade where both teams achieve distinct goals with minimal downside.
Of course, the true value of this deal won’t be known for some time. If RJ Luis Jr. develops into a rotation player or even a long-term bench contributor, the Celtics may look back at this trade as a low-cost steal. If Georges Niang helps steady Utah’s bench and mentor its young core while the Jazz turn those second-rounders into useful players or trade chips, they’ll have good reason to feel this move paid off.
Either way, this is the kind of trade that quietly shapes rosters behind the scenes. It may not carry the blockbuster headlines of a superstar swap, but it reflects the precision and vision required to build a championship team in today’s NBA. For Boston and Utah, it’s another strategic step forward — one built not on hype, but on foresight.
