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NBA Execs Expect Celtics to Make Blockbuster Trade This Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 1:36 PM ET

If the Boston Celtics don't make any trades this offseason, they will have the most expensive roster in the NBA next season.

Since Jayson Tatum could miss the entire 2025-26 season recovering from his right Achilles tendon tear, the Celtics may not be a title contender next season.

With that said, NBA execs expect Boston to make a blockbuster trade this offseason to shed salary, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

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

The Celtics are not going to trade Tatum or Jaylen Brown. Scotto is also reporting that Boston has rebuffed previous inquiries on Derrick White.

That means Jrue Holiday or Kristaps Porzingis could be traded by the Celtics this offseason, and according to Scotto, NBA execs believe Porzingis could be the odd man out in Boston.

“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 will make $30.7 million next season in the final year of his contract. He helped the Celtics win the 2024 championship against his old team, the Dallas Mavericks.

A one-time All-Star, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Celtics this season. However, his numbers dropped to 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists in the postseason due to an unknown illness.

Porzingis has career averages of 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists with the New York Knicks, Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Celtics. It will be interesting to see where the big man is playing next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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