As many fans know by now, this upcoming Boston Celtics season won't warrant the same type of success as we've seen over the past few years. Cost-cutting moves had to be made to avoid the monster that is the second-apron, and Brad Stevens has led the busiest team in the NBA offseason to date.
With the Jayson Tatum injury taken into account, new owner Bill Chisholm has given Brad Stevens the keys to retool while remaining competitive heading into next season. That means setting up for success when Tatum returns, and figuring out which young Celtics will play a prominent role when JT is back on the floor.
As Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet have departed, with Al Horford likely to follow, it's time to figure out which Celtic will be moved next. Luckily for Brad Stevens, there's a clear trade candidate that doesn't fit the Celtics timeline while being on an expiring contract.
Georges Niang Could Be Next Man Out of Boston
Niang, 32, was acquired in the Kristaps Porzingis trade from the Atlanta Hawks. Entering the last of his 3-year, $25 million deal given to him by the Cavaliers, it would be best for Boston to get off his money before the season starts.
The Lawrence, MA native was traded to the Hawks from the Cavaliers at the deadline last season. In 79 games played between Cleveland and Atlanta, Niang averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across 21.5 minutes per night.
As a career three-point specialist, Niang saw success behind the arc with both of his teams last season. Shooting 40% in Cleveland and 41% in Atlanta, he would fit the mold for the Celtics playstyle under Joe Mazzulla. But should he get the nod on an expiring deal, with younger Celtics forwards looking for minutes behind him?
Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, and now Josh Minott are a combination of recent draft picks and free agency signings that will aim to carve out a role as forwards for the Celtics this season. With Niang's potential known and the other four not, the Celtics could look to move the local guy to a contending team as a one-year rental, in return for future draft capital.
Not to mention Sam Hauser, whose contract extension kicks in this season. Hauser and Niang are similar in terms of their efficient shooting, but Hauser fits the fast-paced "Mazzulla Ball" play style more.
This season, not having Tatum will allow unproven wings to earn more playing time in an attempt to be a part of the team's future plans. Celtics fans will hope one of Walsh, Gonzalez, Scheierman, or Minott can reach the same success that Payton Pritchard has when he was given the chance as a young player.
Brad Stevens made recent comments about how this Celtics roster is the one that will begin next season, but fans have been shown the unpredictability of the NBA and especially Stevens as a GM. Brad has made several blockbuster moves when fans least expected it, including acquiring Jrue Holiday in the month of October 2023, just weeks before the season tipped off.
Boston has already made moves to save money, and trading Niang probably wouldn't make Celtics fans lose sleep, knowing his past encounters with Tatum and Brown. Whether it's an offseason deal or one that comes at the deadline, it's hard to envision Niang sticking with Boston for the whole season.
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