Celtics Guard Has 2-Word Reaction to Trade

Nov 26, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics logo is seen before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

A new Boston Celtics guard has weighed in on his arrival via trade.

Wing RJ Luis Jr., initially signed to a two-way deal with the Utah Jazz, was acquired by Boston when general manager Brad Stevens needed a partner to offload the contract of forward Georges Niang. Stevens threw in a pair of second-rounders to sweeten the pot. Beyond the addition of Luis, Boston also nabbed an $8 million trade exception in the deal.

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Before agreeing to a two-way deal in Utah with ex-Celtics team president Danny Ainge, the 6-foot-7 shooting guard/small forward out went undrafted out of St. John's this past June, but he began his NCAA journey with the UMass Minutemen.

RJ Luis Jr. reflects on going from UMass to Boston:

“Full circle 🔄☘️”

(Via @RJLuisJr on IG) pic.twitter.com/CoQivGWuin

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) August 22, 2025

“Full circle,” the University of Massachusetts product wrote of his return to the state on his Instagram Story earlier this week.

Boston has been prioritizing slashing salaries over bringing in proven talent in what's essentially going to be a "gap year" season with six-time All-Star forward Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles tendon tear.

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If young players like Luis or fellow rookies Hugo Gonzalez (the No. 28 pick out of real Madrid), Amari Williams (the No. 46 pick out of the University of Kentucky) and Max Shulga (the No. 57 pick out of Virginia Commonwealth University) can hit, that will go a long way towards improving the club's cost-effective depth.

During his All-American final season for St. John's in 2024-25, Luis averaged 18.2 points while slashing .439/.336/.747, 7.2 boards, 2.0 dimes, 1.4 swipes and 0.6 rejections per bout.

As a two-way player, Luis will split his time between the Celtics proper and their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. The 22-year-old will be limited to just 50 games with Boston this coming season, before the team would have to convert him to a standard salary.

Boston will need young, raw players like its two-way signings to hit after losing significant depth during the offseason. Stevens traded away a pair of championship starters — center Kristaps Porzingis and guard Jrue Holiday — and let reserve center Luke Kornet depart in free agency. Backup power forward/center Al Horford remains unsigned, but seems likely to leave for the Golden State Warriors. Tatum's absence will create a void along the perimeter.

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