The Celtics acquired two-way forward RJ Luis Jr. in a trade with the Utah Jazz last week, but it’s not the first time the team targeted the undrafted rookie. According to Jake Fischer on Bleacher Report, Luis Jr. was deciding between the Utah Jazz and Celtics back in June before he ultimately decided to ink a contract with Utah.
That reported interest likely factored into Boston’s decision to trade two second-round picks along with Georges Niang to acquire the former St. John’s star. The primary factor for the deal was dumping Niang’s salary to reduce the team’s luxury tax hit, but throwing in an extra second-round pick was likely an easier sell due to Utah’s willingness to include Luis Jr.
The Jazz ended up trading Luis Jr. just 30 days after they signed the rookie to his two-way contract. He did not suit up for the team in Summer League due to a leg injury.
The 22-year-old spent a season playing at UMass during the 2022-23 season and was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Freshman team. For his sophomore season, he transferred to St. John’s, playing for two years under legendary coach Rick Pitino. He averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists last year earning second-team All-American honors before declaring for the draft.
In order to make room for Luis Jr. along with second-round picks Max Shulga and Amari Williams on the Celtics roster, Boston released two-way forward Miles Norris on Sunday. Shulga signed his two-way deal already with Boston and Williams is expected to sign his later this month.
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