NBA Execs Believe Celtics Will Explore Trade Market For Kristaps Porzingis

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, NBA execs believe the Boston Celtics will explore the trade market for Kristaps Porzingis this offseason. 

The Celtics have to make trades this offseason to avoid having the most expensive roster in the NBA next season. 

“Several executives around the league believe Boston will explore the trade market for center Kristaps Porzingis, who’s owed $30.73 million and an expiring contract after the 2025-26 season,” Scotto wrote. “Porzingis is viewed by executives around the league as Boston’s top trade candidate to trim salary for next season.”

Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in the 2024-25 regular season and 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists in the 2025 playoffs for the Celtics. The All-Star dealt with an unknown illness and he had trouble breathing in the postseason. 

After winning the championship last season, Boston lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of this year’s playoffs in six games.  

The 29-year-old Porzingis has career averages of 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists with the Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Celtics. He’ll make $30,731,707 next season in the final year of his contract. 

“Boston needs to get off two big salaries at least, or they’ll have massive tax implications,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “Jayson Tatum’s injury lets them use next year as a gap year to audition other players or young guys.”