Former Cavaliers Forward Traded to Utah Jazz

It's yet another move for the Jazz throughout an offseason that's remained relatively active to this point, including prior trades to send out John Collins in his three-team involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat, along with shipping Collin Sexton to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic.

This time, though, it's Utah bringing in the former Cavaliers forward to be one of the few lasting veterans on their roster for the 2025-26 season.

On the other side of things, the Celtics use the deal to find another layer of cap flexibility after their moves to shed the salaries of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and now even sit further away from the dreaded second apron.

Niang was signed on with the Cavaliers for a season and a half after inking a deal with Cleveland in 2023's free agency, and now finds his way back to a familiar home in Utah– a place where he spent four years of his career from 2017 to 2021, ultimately playing in over 200 games with the franchise.

Niang played 133 regular-season games in a Cavaliers uniform, while also being a part of Cleveland's 2024 playoff run, one that was ultimately ended by the Celtics in five games. Through his tenure with the Cavaliers, he averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 45.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.

Niang would eventually find himself as a part of the three-team deal that sent DeAndre Hunter to the Cavaliers at the 2025 trade deadline, being stationed with the Atlanta Hawks for the second half of the 2025 campaign. In due time, he would be traded to the Celtics within the Kristaps Porzingis deal, and now gets re-routed once more to Utah.

Read More Cleveland Cavaliers Coverage:

MORE: ESPN Ranks Cavaliers Among NBA's True Title Threats

MORE: Cavaliers Reportedly Considering Intriguing Decision With Lonzo Ball

MORE: Former Cavaliers Star Eyeing Potential Buyout, Trade

MORE: Cavaliers Get Honest Grade for Offseason Moves

MORE: Cavaliers Should Consider A Reunion With Versatile Veteran Guard