Overview

• Boston traded Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., generating an $8.2 million trade exception.
• The deal cut approximately $50 million from the Celtics’ payroll and luxury-tax obligations, marking more than $300 million in combined salary and tax savings this summer.
• The Celtics signed veteran forward Chris Boucher to a one-year, $3.3 million contract to bolster frontcourt depth at minimal cost.
• Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, Boston now sits about $7.8 million below the second luxury-tax apron, avoiding steeper repeater-tax penalties.
• The roster overhaul centers on cost-controlled talent like RJ Luis Jr. and positions Anfernee Simons as the next likely salary shed to preserve financial flexibility.