Boston Celtics trade Georges Niang to Utah Jazz to free up salary cap space
- Georges Niang has been traded to the Utah Jazz, allowing the Celtics to create roster and salary cap flexibility.
- The Celtics also welcomed free-agent Chris Boucher to the team, enhancing their forward lineup.
- These trades are part of a strategic offseason for the Celtics as they adapt to roster changes and prepare for the potential absence of key player Jayson Tatum.
In the United States, the Boston Celtics made significant roster changes during the offseason, trading forward Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, which allowed for greater financial flexibility. Niang, who was previously acquired from the Hawks, had a brief tenure with the Celtics following a salary dump involving Kristaps Porzingis. Boston also received a future second-round pick in the deal that sent Porzingis to Atlanta, emphasizing their focus on clearing cap space. The Celtics waived JD Davison, the G League MVP, to facilitate moves ahead of potential tax penalties resulting from roster-building decisions. The Celtics made this change amid concerns about Jayson Tatum's recovery from a ruptured Achilles injury, which could sideline him for the entire 2025 season. Additionally, the team secured free-agent forward Chris Boucher shortly after the trade, aiming to enhance their roster. Boucher is known for his performance with the Toronto Raptors, where he became a crucial player during the franchise’s championship run. The Celtics hope that these changes will create opportunities for the remaining players, including Sam Hauser or Anferenee Simons, as the team prepares for a challenging season. As they reorganize, Boston is focusing on both current performance metrics and long-term financial sustainability, indicating a strategic approach to the roster for the future.