'The Minivan' Returns: Utah Jazz Reacquire Georges Niang in Trade with Boston Celtics

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz have struck a deal to bring a familiar face back to the Delta Center, reacquiring veteran forward Georges Niang from the Boston Celtics, as first reported by ESPN. The trade sends recently signed undrafted rookie RJ Luis Jr. to Boston and nets the Jazz two future second-round draft picks.

The move marks a homecoming for Niang, affectionately known as "The Minivan" by fans for his reliable and steady, if not flashy, style of play. Niang, 32, spent four seasons with the Jazz from 2017 to 2021, where he developed into a valuable rotation piece and one of the league's more respected three-point shooters.

His return is expected to bolster Utah’s frontcourt depth and add crucial floor spacing for a team continuing its rebuild around cornerstones like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George.

Trade Details and Roster Impact

According to league sources, the trade sends Niang and his remaining contract to Utah. In return, the Celtics receive RJ Luis Jr., a 6-foot-6 wing from St. John's who signed with the Jazz as an undrafted free agent just weeks ago. For Boston, the trade appears to be a minor strategic move to create roster flexibility and take a low-risk look at a young prospect.

For the Jazz, the acquisition is twofold. It brings in a proven veteran who is already familiar with the organization and the city, providing a stabilizing presence in the locker room. Niang is a career 40.7% three-point shooter, a skill that fits perfectly with Head Coach Will Hardy’s offensive schemes, which emphasize pace and space.

Last season with the Celtics, Niang averaged 9.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per game, connecting on 41.2% of his attempts from beyond the arc. He provides an immediate upgrade in shooting from the power forward position off the bench.

A Strategic Move for the Jazz Front Office

This trade aligns with the strategy consistently employed by Jazz CEO Danny Ainge and General Manager Justin Zanik: acquiring valuable assets while adding functional talent. By securing two future second-round picks, the Jazz continue to stockpile draft capital, giving them immense flexibility for future trades or to add young talent through the draft. Since beginning their rebuild in 2022, the Jazz have amassed one of the league's largest collections of future draft picks.

Bringing back Niang on an expiring contract also maintains the team’s financial flexibility moving forward. He can contribute meaningfully this season without cluttering the team's long-term salary cap outlook, allowing the front office to keep its options open.

The move underscores a commitment to fielding a competitive team while simultaneously building for the future. Niang’s experience and shooting will help the Jazz win games now, and his mentorship could prove invaluable for the team's younger players.

What’s Next for Both Teams

The Celtics, fresh off a deep playoff run, clear a roster spot and gain a trade exception, continuing their pattern of fine-tuning the margins of their championship-contending roster. They will likely evaluate Luis Jr. in the NBA G League with their affiliate, the Maine Celtics.

For the Utah Jazz, the return of Niang will be a welcome sight for a fanbase that appreciated his contributions during his first tenure. He is expected to slot into the rotation immediately, providing a reliable offensive spark off the bench. While not a blockbuster deal, this trade is a shrewd, calculated move that addresses a team need, brings back a popular former player, and enhances the team's long-term asset pool.