Report: Suns Have Done Background Work On Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Phoenix Suns have done background work on Boston Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis.

The Celtics could trade Porzingis this offseason to decrease their payroll. 

“I’ve also heard that Phoenix has done some background work on Kristaps Porzingis with Boston known to be exploring its trade options up and down the roster,” Fischer wrote. 

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

The Suns will trade Kevin Durant this offseason. They missed the playoffs and play-in tournament this year. 

Durant has been linked to the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Knicks and Toronto Raptors.