Heading into the upcoming NBA offseason, the Boston Celtics are facing an uncertain future. With new ownership leading the way, there have been rumors about the team making cost-cutting moves.
Due to those rumors, a lot of players have been mentioned as possible trade candidates. Among those players are Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porizinigs, and even Jaylen Brown has been suggested as a possible trade chip.
While some moves may be coming, the Celtics are not going to want to blow everything up. They have put together a team capable of competing for an NBA championship year in and year out.
Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts after his three point shot in overtime against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 08, 2025 in New York City.
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Porzingis is a very intriguing name to think about as a trade candidate. He was dealing with a brutal illness during the playoffs, which hurt Boston badly. Without him, the team was far less dangerous.
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Moving on from Porzingis would be a tough decision to make. He brings great offensive production to the court, and he’s a more than capable defender as well.
That being said, a new update has been given on what the Celtics could do with Porzingis this offseason.
Sports Illustrated insider Chris Mannix spoke out recently and revealed what he thinks could happen. He believes a trade is possible, but he sees another avenue for Boston to find some financial relief while still keeping the 29-year-old on the team.
“I’ve also heard, ‘We’re going to nibble around the fringes,'” Mannix said of the Celtics. “If you want Jrue Holiday, you can have him. Porzingis, I think is available, but they’d like to get Porzingis back long-term at a lower price point on his next deal.”
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Finding a way to negotiate a new contract with Porzingis that could help save some money would be an ideal scenario. That would keep a key piece of their core in town while also allowing the franchise to save capital.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with Boston, Porzingis played in just 42 games. He averaged 19.5 points per game to go along with 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks, while shooting 48.3 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent from three-point range.
Getting rid of those numbers would be detrimental to the Celtics’ success. It will be interesting to see if they’re able to work out a new deal that saves them money, like Mannix is suggesting.
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