The Boston Celtics proceed to cut back their pay and tax burdens subsequent season by buying and selling one other participant from the roster.
Shams Charania reported that the Boston Celtics traded two future second-round picks with Georges Nian and the Utah Jazz for Rookie Lewis Jr.
Charania defined that Niang’s wage would match the huge John Collins commerce exception, permitting the Celtics to attain extra pay aid beneath the second apron threshold.
With Niang dropping a $8.2 million contract from the guide, Boston will likely be additional diminished underneath the second apron, saving greater than $40 million in luxurious tax funds.
This monetary aid represents the group’s foremost mission heading into this season.
Nian left Boston in lower than two months for the franchise, changing into one of many shortest tenures in latest group historical past.
The 32-year-old Massachusetts native was traded to Boston just a few days after the 2024-25 season ended.
He arrived via a three-team contract that despatched Christaps Porzingis and despatched Atlanta a second decide, however Brooklyn obtained a draft of Terrance Mann and Dryk Powell.
Shortly after becoming a member of Boston, Nian tackled criticism from Celtics followers who wished to go away him quickly, evaluating himself to the “unicorn” Porzingis, who died as a minivan, by way of fan reception.
The Celtics will obtain 22-year-old Rookie Lewis JR within the deal. The undrafted safety guards of the 2025 NBA Draft spent their ultimate two faculty seasons at St. John’s.
In his final faculty marketing campaign, Lewis JR produced spectacular numbers, together with 18.2 factors, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 metal per 1.4 video games. He shot 43.9% from the sphere and 33.6% from the 3-point vary in 35 video games.
His 31.8 minutes per sport confirmed his necessary position inside the St. John’s system. This manufacturing suggests the potential for NBA improvement regardless of it being undrafted.
Fairly than lamenting Nian’s departure, Boston supporters expressed satisfaction with the monetary implications of commerce. This transfer creates flexibility within the roster whereas decreasing the burden of luxurious taxes.
“Greatest offseason information thus far,” one fan commented, reflecting widespread approval of payroll aid. “We did not need him,” one other supporter added frankly.
Some followers acknowledged Nian’s capabilities whereas supporting enterprise selections. “Like Nian, however that is financial transfer,” one fan mentioned virtually.
Others highlighted the final word consequence of the commerce chain. “We traded Kristaps for RJ Luis Jr,” one other fan noticed, summarizing the roster transformation.
Monetary aid will present Boston with house to pursue extra signatures and put together for future roster building, significantly when Jason Tatum returns from harm.
