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SALT LAKE CITY — The Minivan is moving on.
Jazz forward Georges Niang has agreed to a two-year, $6.7 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a source confirmed to KSL.com.
Niang spent the last four seasons in Utah, developing from a two-way player into a key bench contributor. He shot 41% from 3-point range with the Jazz as he became one of the best catch-and-shoot 3-point shooters in the league.
Last season, he played in all 72 games and averaged 6.9 points and shot 42% from 3. His shooting alone makes the deal a steal for the Sixers, especially when compared to what other elite shooters have gotten this free agency. So why didn't the Jazz bring him back?
It likely came down to dollars and cents. For the Jazz, it would be much more than just $3.3 million per year. If the Jazz had re-signed Niang to an identical contract, it would have cost around $14 million in luxury tax.
And with the Jazz agreeing to terms with free agent Rudy Gay earlier Tuesday, Niang's role appears to have been filled.
Add it all up and the Minivan is heading east.
