Georges Niang Joins Celtics in Strategic Three-Team Shake-Up
So here's the latest buzz around the NBA and, more specifically, around the Boston Celtics — and it's a big one. If you thought their Monday move involving Jrue Holiday was bold, you better buckle up because Tuesday brought even more firepower to the Celtics' offseason shake-up.
Boston has now pulled off a significant three-team trade, sending Kristaps Porziņģis to the Atlanta Hawks. Yes, you heard that right — Porziņģis is out, and Georges Niang is coming in as part of the new-look Celtics roster. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, this deal also includes a swap of picks and players across three franchises: the Celtics, Hawks, and Brooklyn Nets.
Here's how it all went down: Boston shipped out Porziņģis along with a second-round draft pick to Atlanta. In return, the Hawks sent Terance Mann and the 22nd overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn, in turn, sent Georges Niang and another second-round pick back to Boston. A lot of movement, and a lot of implications.
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Now, let’s talk about Georges Niang — the guy Boston just added to its lineup. Niang may not be the flashiest name in the league, but he’s exactly the kind of smart, tough, role-playing forward that Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office value. He averaged just under 10 points per game this past season, suiting up in 79 games split between Cleveland and Atlanta. A reliable shooter, strong locker room presence, and a versatile forward who can stretch the floor — that’s Niang in a nutshell.
This move, combined with Monday’s trade that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two draft picks, clearly signals a recalibration in Boston. They're shedding salary — yes, they're now out of the second apron tax zone — and simultaneously building a more balanced roster. The injury to Jayson Tatum, who’s expected to miss all of next season with a torn Achilles, has forced the Celtics to think long-term and strategically.
Porziņģis had a solid run in Boston, averaging 19.5 points and nearly 7 rebounds per game last season — when he was on the court, that is. Unfortunately, he missed half the season battling a viral infection, which likely played into Boston's decision to move on from him.
As for Niang, he may not be a game-changer on his own, but he fits Boston's evolving blueprint — experienced, efficient, and affordable. It's clear the Celtics are moving pieces around to build a more cohesive and sustainable team for the future, one that can remain competitive even with their star forward sidelined.
So, while all eyes might have been on the bigger names flying around in trade talks, Georges Niang just became a quietly important part of Boston’s new puzzle. Don't sleep on this move.
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