The Boston Celtics have been making an offensive move this offseason.
It started with swapping Jrue Holiday with Anfernee Simons for Portland for two second picks. The deal surprised NBA fans and showed their willingness to shake up the Boston roster.
Reports show that the Celtics are now shopping for another star player, Christaps Porzingis. Despite his perfect skill set fit, Boston will have to avoid a second luxury tax apron and move the center to ease the burden of large pay.
The availability of 7 footers is of great concern to potential suitors. Porzingis only played 42 games last season due to various injuries. Considering his annual salary of $30 million, he created hesitancy among the teams.
However, his talent is still attracting great interest throughout the league. In healthy cases, Kristaps Porzingis offers the elite trim protection, floor spacing and aggressive versatility that most candidates desperately need.
There are three potential new destinations for him as several teams weigh the risk reward calculations to win a big man in Latvia
The Warriors represent an interesting fit to Porzingis’ skill set. Golden State desperately needs a floor stretching center that can attack the rim and shoot from the deep, making it a 28-year-old target.
Porzingis’ shot blocking capabilities reduce Draymond Green’s defense workload while providing time-complete intervals to Stephen Curry’s attack system.
His presence will pose a legitimate internal threat that the Warriors lacked in recent seasons. However, finance presents a major complication.
The Warriors may need a third team to absorb Jonathan Kuminga’s salary, but they also include Moses Moody and other assets. Kuminga will have to agree to a new contract, which will result in complex multi-team negotiations.
The Lakers represent Porzingis’ most logical destination, given the championship timeline perhaps.
The Lakers are actively looking for a big guy who can protect the rim and stretch the floor alongside LeBron James and Luka Donsic.
Although he only played 42 games last season, Porzingis was an average impressive number: he shot 41.2% from the range of 19 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 3-pointers. These statistics would make him the perfect third option for the franchise that won him.
The Lakers can build packages around hachimura, Maxi Kleber and Maxi Kleber in 2030 and 2032.
The agreement gives Boston role players and future flexibility, clearing the pay cap space that is important for both organizations.
The Utah Jazz actively pursued Porzingis during their free agency before joining Boston. Sources have revealed that if they get out of their previous contracts they are ready to offer more money than the Celtics.
Austin Einge’s recent employment as president of basketball operations has created a direct connection with the Boston front office.
The former Celtics assistant GM understands both the value of Porzingis and Boston’s organizational needs, which could ease trade negotiations.
Utah is being built around Lauri Markanen and complements the Finnish star for the help of the front court. Adding Porzingis creates a formidable duo that combines elite intervals, shooting and defensive lengths.
Jazz can offer expired contracts like Jordan Clarkson and John Collins, along with Porzingis’s salary, while clearing future cap space. This flexibility appeals to both teams as they navigate the different roster construction timelines.