Celtics In Talks on a Blockbuster Trade for Kristaps Porzingis
According to Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics are in talks with the Washington Wizards regarding a “potential opt in-and-trade” for Kristaps Porzingis. The rumored trade is a three-way deal that would also include the Los Angeles Clippers. As it stands, the reported trade is as follows:
Boston Celtics receive:
F/C Kristaps Porzingis
Washington Wizards receive:
Draft compensation
Los Angeles Clippers receive:
As of now, this trade is not official, but Charania reports that the teams “are in strong talks.”
What are the Pros and Cons of this Trade for the Celtics?
Pros:
Porzingis is a Great All-Around Player
Porzingis is coming off a career year with the Wizards where the big man averaged 23.2 PPG and 8.4 RPG. Last season was also a career high for Porzingis with a 112.6 defensive rating in 65 games as he also averaged 1.7 BPG. Porzingis would bring size to Boston at his 7’3″ frame and the ability to stretch the floor as a career 35.9% 3-point shooter.
Boston is a Great Fit for Porzingis
As for his fit with the team, Porzingis would be a fantastic frontcourt partner next to Robert Williams III. One of Williams’ biggest weaknesses is his offensive efficiency outside the paint. Porzingis is a great perimeter scorer, especially for his size, and would make things much easier for Williams.
Porzingis also offers more balance on the team with this trade. One of the team’s biggest problems last season was how much deeper their backcourt was compared to their frontcourt. This especially showed during the postseason and Williams and Al Horford were the only bigs on the team to get serviceable playing time. Acquiring Porzingis allows the Celtics to give Horford an extra game of rest or to move him to the bench completely.
Celtics Can Move on From Malcolm Brogdon’s Contract
Just one year after acquiring him from the Indiana Pacers, it looks like Malcolm Brogdon is probably on his way out of Boston. Truth be told, Brogdon’s first (and likely only) season in Boston was a success for the 2017 Rookie of the Year. Brogdon had a tremendous season and won his first ever Sixth Man of the Year award. The Celtics couldn’t have asked for much more out of Brogdon. When the team acquired him, however, there was no reason to think Derrick White would have the season he ended up having. This caused a logjam in the backcourt, and with Brogdon having a $22 million salary, he is the odd man out.
Cons:
Kristaps Porzingis’ Contract Isn’t Great Either
With the good does come the bad, however. In this proposed deal, Kristaps Porzingis would opt-in to the $36 million player option in his contract. This would be the most expensive contract on the books for next season. Jayson Tatum is the closest with a $32.6 million salary. That said, Kristaps Porzingis’ contract does expire after next season. Boston would not have this contract on the payroll for too long.
Durability is a Concern for Porzingis
To cut him some slack, Porzingis’ 65 games played last year is the most he’s played in a single year since playing 66 games in the 2016-2017 season. Still, durability has always been a concern for Porzingis, especially after the ACL injury that kept him off the court for all of the 2018-2019 season. His ability to bounce back from that injury is impressive, but it must be noted that Porzingis has never played a full season in the NBA. The most games he’s played in a single year was 72 back in the rookie year in 2015-2016 season.
Conclusion
In theory, this trade for Kristaps Porzingis is a huge win for the Celtics if completed. Porzingis adds size, shooting, and the ability to stretch the floor. His defense isn’t elite necessarily, but he is another shot-blocker the Celtics desperately needed next to Williams III. This trade is not official yet. Even so, this is looking like another step up in Brad Stevens’ quest of constructing a championship team in Boston.
