Celtics' Strategic Moves Indicate a Future Guard Trade on the Horizon

The Boston Celtics have taken significant steps to reposition their roster by trading Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz this Tuesday, pushing them just below the second luxury-tax threshold. This move not only trims their payroll by approximately $50 million but also provides a strategic advantage to potentially trade their highest-paid new player. Following the trade, the Celtics are now approximately $1.7 million above the first luxury-tax apron and $9.4 million over the luxury tax limit. Additionally, they secured an $8.2 million trade exception, which offers further flexibility. These roster adjustments come amid the team’s efforts to mitigate financial strain after Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, which sidelines him for the 2025-26 season. In response, the Celtics traded key starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, with contracts totaling $94.4 million and $30.7 million respectively. They also parted ways with Luke Kornet and are likely to lose Al Horford, further reducing their salary commitments. Initially acquiring Georges Niang in the Porzingis deal, the Celtics later traded him for rookie RJ Luis Jr., a two-way deal player, effectively removing Niang’s salary from th...