Celtics Clear Cap Space, Acquire Georges Niang in Strategic Shake-Up
So, here's the big story that's been circulating lately—Boston Celtics fans, you’ll want to hear this. The Celtics have made a bold financial pivot, reshaping their roster and their salary cap landscape in a way that’s turning heads across the NBA. And yes, Georges Niang is now officially part of the picture.
Let’s break it down. In just two whirlwind days, the Celtics unloaded two high-profile players—Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis—and significantly lightened their financial load. First, they sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, bringing back Anfernee Simons and some draft capital. That alone freed Boston from the $32.4 million due to Holiday next season, not to mention the staggering $72 million he could have cost them over the following two seasons. Simons, by contrast, has just one year left on his current deal at $27.7 million. Already, that move shaved a ton off the books.
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Then came the second big swing. The very next day, the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that also included the Brooklyn Nets. And that’s where Georges Niang enters the scene. As part of that trade, Boston brought in Niang and a second-round pick. Porzingis was due $30.7 million for the 2025-26 season, and moving him was crucial for getting under the NBA’s dreaded second luxury tax apron.
Let me emphasize just how much money we're talking about—ESPN’s Bobby Marks estimates the Celtics saved a jaw-dropping $180 million in tax penalties through these two trades alone. That’s not just good business; that’s transformative. Now, they sit $4.5 million under the second apron, which gives them far more flexibility moving forward.
But it's not all roses. The team is still $15.4 million over the base luxury tax, and the loss of two core veteran players will certainly sting, especially with Jayson Tatum out for the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles. The path forward won’t be easy. Competing in the Eastern Conference just got a lot more challenging.
Still, Georges Niang could end up being a solid addition. He’s not a headline-grabber like Porzingis, but he brings floor spacing, toughness, and a strong locker room presence. On a team looking to stay afloat and perhaps retool on the fly, that kind of player can be incredibly valuable.
So while the Celtics may have lost some star power, they've gained financial breathing room—and brought in a guy like Niang who could quietly play a pivotal role in this next chapter.
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