NFL

Rams sign RB Kyren Williams to three-year, $33 million contract extension

Williams is an important — or at least highly-used — part of the Rams offense, so it’s no surprise he’s being rewarded with an extension.

Last season, the 24-year-old carried the ball 316 times — third in the NFL — for 1,299 yards. While shouldering a large workload, the back did fumble five times, an area Los Angeles needs him to clean up. Overall, Williams has proven capable of serving as a high-volume runner, even at his average size.

The Rams are devoting notable resources to retain their top back. In the past two drafts, Los Angeles selected Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter in the middle rounds, signaling a potential shift away from Williams. That won’t be the case. With franchises utilizing multi-back committees more than ever, perhaps Corum or Hunter will still seize a role in the offense. Just as likely, though, is Williams continuing as the Rams’ bell cow.

I wouldn’t have signed Williams to this deal, but the Rams have bucked league-wide trends over and over again this decade. This could work out, but it feels like a sizeable commitment to mediocrity at the running back position.

Grade: D+

NBA

Celtics receive:
SF RJ Luis

Jazz receive:
PF Georges Niang
Second-round pick
Second-round pick

This summer for the Celtics has been all about money management. This trade falls in line as the latest move, freeing up additional salary relief for Boston under the dreaded second apron.

In return, the Celtics add Luis, an undrafted rookie with no guarantee of making the roster. Teams must send out and receive something in return in trades, so Luis, in essence, is just filler. Expect the St. John’s product to play on a two-way deal this season for Boston.

The Jazz’s side of this agreement is more convoluted. Utah gained a massive trade exception earlier this month when it dealt John Collins in a rebuild-focused move. That exception is now being used in this transaction, allowing the Jazz to take on Niang’s $8.5 million cap hit without sending matching salary in return.

It’s an interesting decision. Niang will bring a strong locker-room presence to the youthful team, potentially aiding the development of some valuable young players. Conversely, Niang is 32, so was adding him and two-second round selections really worth the cost of his salary — and helping Boston out?

It probably was. Niang can still play, as evidenced by his 9.9 points per game and 40.6 three-point percentage last season. At the very worst, the forward should serve as a back-end cog in Utah’s rotation. At best, Niang surprises this season and gets moved closer to the trade deadline for a second rounder or two. That would be a very nice outcome for Austin Ainge.

This was the rare trade in which both teams made a future-focused decision. Both Boston and Utah should walk away feeling better about their respective situations.

Celtics Grade: B

Jazz Grade: A-

Celtics sign PF Chris Boucher to one-year, $3.3 million contract

This agreement is for the veteran minimum.

It’s somewhat surprising it took this long for Boucher to sign. He was probably searching for a multi-year deal or at least a contract greater than the minimum, but he’ll have to settle for this. In actuality, though, the forward is landing in a favorable spot. Boston’s frontcourt rotation is rather weak, so Boucher should seize at least 15 or so minutes per game.

While the Celtics are a good spot for the 32-year-old, the club is also benefiting from this signing. With Georges Niang on the way out, there’s a real chance for Boucher to start at power forward — or even center — for Boston. Those battles — and starting point guard — will be determined in training camp and the preseason, but this has the looks of a fruitful, short-term marriage between team and player.

Grade: A-