The Boston Celtics have made one other massive roster transfer forward of the brand new NBA season. In a three-team commerce involving the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets, Boston is bringing in veteran ahead Georges Niang, together with a second-round draft decide, in accordance with ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal noticed Boston ship Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round decide to Atlanta, whereas Brooklyn acquired Terance Mann and the No. 22 decide on this 12 months’s draft from the Hawks.
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Who’s Georges Niang?
Now, in return, the Celtics acquired Niang, Atlanta’s second-rounder, and Cleveland’s 2031 second-round decide, which Atlanta had beforehand acquired. Atlanta will tackle Boston’s least beneficial second-round decide in 2026, sources informed ESPN.
Niang, a 31-year-old sharpshooter, averaged just below 9 factors per sport with Cleveland final season and shot 38.5% from three. His presence will assist Boston keep ground spacing and ball motion, particularly with Porzingis heading to Atlanta.
Porzingis, for his half, is coming off two spectacular seasons in Boston, together with capturing a career-best 41.2% from deep whereas averaging over 19 factors per sport. If wholesome, he’s anticipated to fit in properly alongside Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher within the Hawks’ frontcourt.
The Celtics traded Jrue Vacation to the Portland Path Blazers late Monday. That deal introduced again Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. In response to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, these two trades will save the Celtics an enormous $180 million in projected luxurious tax funds. Earlier than the strikes, Boston was taking a look at a mixed payroll and tax invoice of over $500 million for subsequent season.
Now, Boston finds itself beneath the second luxurious tax apron and will even be on monitor to duck the tax altogether this season. The Celtics have been anticipated to make cost-cutting changes this summer time, particularly after star ahead Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear throughout the workforce’s playoff loss to the Knicks.
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In the meantime, Atlanta additionally will get some monetary respiration room because it strikes on from Terance Mann’s $15.5 million annual wage. Porzingis is on an expiring $30 million deal, giving the Hawks some flexibility as they navigate potential extensions for Dyson Daniels and selections round All-Star guard Trae Younger’s future.
