Georges Niang Breaks Silence On Being Traded By Celtics

Earlier this summer, the Boston Celtics acquired Georges Niang as part of the three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. However, Niang’s tenure with the franchise lasted just a month. Boston flipped him to the Utah Jazz in return for two future second-round draft picks and rookie forward RJ Luis Jr.

Niang wasn’t an active member of the Jazz rotation that handed Boston its fifth loss of the season Monday, as a stress fracture in his left foot kept him out. However, he did travel with the team. Speaking to CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning after the game, Niang opened up on the Celtics’ decision to trade him during the offseason.

“I just think the NBA is the land of the unknown,” Niang said. “So, as much as people think it was like f — up or crazy what had happened, this is professional sports…That’s how it goes. Obviously, being a kid from here, you want to play for your hometown team, but I don’t think as a professional athlete you have enough time to be heartbroken or be upset, you know, you just have to pick yourself up, move on and go along.”

Niang has yet to suit up for the Jazz. However, given the Celtics’ shooting struggles from deep, he could have been a much-needed frontcourt spark off the bench. Nevertheless, his absence has ensured rookie Hugo Gonzalez and summer addition Josh Minott have enough minutes to continue showcasing their skills and improving on the fly.

The Celtics have since waived Luis Jr., who arrived on a two-way contract. His roster spot went to Ron Harper Jr, who impressed throughout Summer League and Boston’s preseason games.

The Celtics are a retooling roster. Therefore, it’s fair to expect that more trades are on the horizon.

As such, Niang might not be the last recently traded player we hear from before the end of the season.