Shams: C's Sign Boucher/Niang & two future 2nd rounders to Utah for RJ Luis Jr.

[Donoghus]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
?
30s
The Boston Celtics are trading Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., sources tell ESPN.

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
?
1m
Niang returns to Utah now and his salary goes into the massive John Collins trade exception along with two draft assets. The move allows the Celtics have more salary relief below the second apron.

[celticinorlando]

Thank God. A pure salary dump that makes the Cs one step closer to a lottery pick.

This Cs bench and front court will be horrendous.

Cs 1.7 mill over the first apron. Seems more moves coming to get even lower. Tank the year Brad. Reset in 2026.

[Who]

That is disappointing. I was looking forward to having G Niang here this season.

[Vermont Green]

Wow, I had proposed a trade of Niang and a couple picks for Kessler (which some posted was an overpay for Kessler).  This is Niang and a couple of picks (albeit 2nds) for an undrafted 2-way player.  Glad to be out from under Niang's contract, it opens up some possibilities, but we seem to be going in the wrong direction.

RJ Luis Jr., is a 2-way player.  We have Norris and Shulga signed now.  I figured the last slot was for Amari Williams.  Maybe he gets a regular roster spot and RJ Luis stays as a 2-way?

[celticinorlando]

That is disappointing. I was looking forward to having G Niang here this season.

It is obvious this is a soft tank by Brad. The bench, the lack of a front court. Lack of defense. Luis Jr. probably gets cut outright eventually.

Cs are going to struggle to win 35 games.

[Who]

It doesn't look like Utah got much for taking on his salary. They are already well stocked at forward. No clear role or need for Niang.

F: Ace Bailey, Cody Williams, Brice Sensabough
F: L Markkanen, Slow Mo, Taylor Hendricks
C: W Kessler, Filipowski, Nurkic

3 deep at both forward spos and at center.

Utah should have gotten more in return for their $8mil.

[Donoghus]

That is disappointing. I was looking forward to having G Niang here this season.

It is obvious this is a soft tank by Brad. The bench, the lack of a front court. Lack of defense. Luis Jr. probably gets cut outright eventually.

Cs are going to struggle to win 35 games.

Does this particular move have much or any impact on wins & losses for next season?

[Timdawgg]

I wonder if that means maybe Celts will bring in Bassey and cut RJ Luis.

[Who]

So now we have no established PF on the roster. Josh Minott is closest thing to that. Hugo Gonzalez looks like the backup PF. Both are SFs.

F: Jaylen, Hauser, J Walsh
F: J Minott, Hugo Gonzalez
C: Queta, L Garza, X Tillman

Those PF and C positions are going to get beaten up a lot next season.

[Goldstar88]

I wonder if that means maybe Celts will bring in Bassey and cut RJ Luis.

Hope not. RJ is a solid prospect. Would like to see if they can develop him.

[Donoghus]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
?
36s
Free agent forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics, agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation tells ESPN. Boucher lands a guaranteed deal with the Celtics and is expected to have a significant role in the frontcourt.

[celticinorlando]

That is disappointing. I was looking forward to having G Niang here this season.

It is obvious this is a soft tank by Brad. The bench, the lack of a front court. Lack of defense. Luis Jr. probably gets cut outright eventually.

Cs are going to struggle to win 35 games.

Does this particular move have much or any impact on wins & losses for next season?

I mean sending out a guy that might swing some games to wins for an undrafted 2 way player that has no game at all probably decreases the wins by a few.

Think this just signals more the Brad isn't even trying to put together a competitive this year and that is fine. Clear the books of all bad money and reset.

[Who]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
?
36s
Free agent forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics, agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation tells ESPN. Boucher lands a guaranteed deal with the Celtics and is expected to have a significant role in the frontcourt.

Okay. That is not so bad.

Trade a slow PF with physicalty (Niang) for a quick PF with no physicality (Boucher). Different liabilities. Similar end result.

[Vermont Green]

Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
?
36s
Free agent forward Chris Boucher has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Boston Celtics, agent Sam Permut of Roc Nation tells ESPN. Boucher lands a guaranteed deal with the Celtics and is expected to have a significant role in the frontcourt.

Okay. That is not so bad.

Trade a slow PF with physicality (Niang) for a quick PF with no physicality (Boucher). Different liabilities. Similar end result.

And save $5M.  Boucher is decent.  He may even have a roll 2026-27 and beyond.  I am totally happy with this.

[celticinorlando]

Boucher probably starts right? Could see bench piece after this season.

Simons
White
Brown
Boucher
Garza/Queta

Bench (So far):
Garza/Queta
PP
Hauser
Hugo
Walsh
Minott
Tillman