The Boston Celtics’ front office is executing a masterclass in financial restructuring, pulling off yet another significant cost-cutting move this offseason.
On Tuesday, they traded forward Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for rookie RJ Luis Jr. While the move may seem minor on the surface, it represents a massive financial victory for the franchise. By offloading Niang’s contract, the Celtics have now reduced their payroll and luxury tax burden by a total of $42.7 million, bringing their offseason savings above $300 million overall.
With this move, Boston is now just $1.7 million above the first apron and $9.4 million over the luxury tax line. Additionally, they’ve created an $8.2 million trade exception in the process, giving them added flexibility for any potential future midseason acquisitions.
This is merely the latest domino to fall in a broader cap-clearing strategy. The Celtics entered the summer with a projected salary and luxury tax bill approaching a staggering $540 million.
That figure became increasingly unsustainable once it was revealed that Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury during the playoffs, an injury that abruptly ended Boston’s title defense and cast serious doubt on their ability to compete in the 2025–26 season. With Tatum potentially sidelined until late March or even the following year, Boston had no choice but to retool.
Their first big move came when they traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. That trade immediately shed tens of millions in tax obligations and gave Boston a younger, more cost-controlled guard.
Next, they moved Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal also involving the Brooklyn Nets. In that swap, Boston landed Niang and a second-rounder while offloading Porzingis’ massive salary. That deal alone saved the Celtics nearly $260 million in projected tax payments.
Now, by flipping Niang before even beginning the season, Boston continues to chip away at their payroll obligations while also injecting youth into the roster with the addition of RJ Luis Jr., a promising but raw rookie who will likely spend time developing in the G League.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Celtics’ current projected salary and luxury tax total stands at approximately $239 million, a far cry from the $540 million mark that once loomed. It’s a remarkable turnaround in just a few weeks, and arguably one of the most aggressive financial resets in recent NBA history.
Yet Boston may not be done. Reports suggest they are actively shopping Anfernee Simons as well, hoping to move off his contract and possibly bring in draft capital or lower-salary role players.
Even with all the departures, Boston still boasts a playoff-caliber core featuring Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a collection of promising role players. If Tatum makes a late-season return, the Celtics could still be dangerous. But more importantly, they’ve bought themselves financial breathing room and flexibility for the future.
