The Boston Celtics could use the depth of the zone before this offseason. How about a 7-foot-3 tall man who can shoot three?
Boston is suing Washington Wizards star Kristaps Porzingis and has “been in discussions about a potential executive” for a membership and trade deal involving the veteran forward, Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday.
In a sign-and-trade scenario, Porzingis would opt for his $36 million player option with Washington for the 2023-24 season and then be dealt to the Celtics, where he would be on an expiring contract.
It’s unclear what Boston would have to part with to land the 27-year-old, but a package that would work financially could involve guard Malcolm Brogdon ($22.5 million for 2023-24) and the big man Danilo Gallinari, who just exercised his $6.8 million player option. Our Chris Forsberg also wondered if a third team could be involved in a Porzingis-Boston deal.
Porzingis is coming off a very strong 2022-23 campaign in which he averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for the Wizards while shooting 38.5% from 3 points. He would give the Celtics a much-needed offensive boost in the frontcourt and a legitimate third scorer to pair with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The biggest downside with Porzingis, of course, is his injury history: The No. 4 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft has missed at least 15 games every season since his rookie year and missed the entire 2018-19 campaign in due to a torn ACL. .
Still, the Celtics should go all-in to win the 18 banner in 2023-24, so it’s at least worth chasing a player of Porzingis’ caliber.