The Boston Celtics continue to reduce their pay and tax burdens next season by trading another player 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 explained that Niang’s salary would fit the massive John Collins trade exception, allowing the Celtics to achieve additional pay relief below the second apron threshold.
With Niang losing a $8.2 million contract from the book, Boston will be further reduced under the second apron, saving more than $40 million in luxury tax payments.
This financial relief represents the organization’s main mission heading into this season.
Nian left Boston in less than two months for the franchise, becoming one of the shortest tenures in recent team history.
The 32-year-old Massachusetts native was traded to Boston a few days after the 2024-25 season ended.
He arrived through a three-team contract that sent Christaps Porzingis and sent Atlanta a second pick, but Brooklyn received a draft of Terrance Mann and Dreik Powell.
Shortly after joining Boston, Nian tackled criticism from Celtics fans who wanted to leave him soon, comparing himself to the “unicorn” Porzingis, who died as a minivan, in terms of fan reception.
The Celtics will receive 22-year-old Rookie Lewis JR in the deal. The undrafted security guards of the 2025 NBA Draft spent their final two college seasons at St. John’s.
In his last college campaign, Lewis JR produced impressive numbers, including 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steel per 1.4 games. He shot 43.9% from the field and 33.6% from the 3-point range in 35 games.
His 31.8 minutes per game showed his important role within the St. John’s system. This production suggests the potential for NBA development despite it being undrafted.
Rather than lamenting Nian’s departure, Boston supporters expressed satisfaction with the financial implications of trade. This move creates flexibility in the roster while reducing the burden of luxury taxes.
“Best offseason news so far,” one fan commented, reflecting widespread approval of payroll relief. “We didn’t want him,” another supporter added frankly.
Some fans acknowledged Nian’s capabilities while supporting business decisions. “Like Nian, but that’s a good economic move,” one fan said practically.
Others highlighted the ultimate outcome of the trade chain. “We traded Kristaps for RJ Luis Jr,” another fan observed, summarizing the roster transformation.
Financial relief will provide Boston with space to pursue additional signatures and prepare for future roster construction, particularly when Jason Tatum returns from injury.