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Three potential destinations for Kristaps Porzingis, including two chances to join other Hall of Famers
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

The Boston Celtics are making aggressive moves this offseason.

It started with trading Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. The deal stunned NBA fans and signaled Boston’s willingness to shake up their roster.

Reports indicate the Celtics are now shopping another star player: Kristaps Porzingis. Despite his perfect skill-set fit, Boston must move the center to avoid the second luxury tax apron and reduce their massive payroll burden.

The 7-footer’s availability remains a major concern for potential suitors. Porzingis played just 42 games last season due to various injuries, creating hesitation among teams considering his $30 million annual salary.

However, his talent still attracts significant interest across the league. When healthy, Kristaps Porzingis provides elite rim protection, floor spacing, and offensive versatility that most contenders desperately need.

Several teams are weighing the risk-reward calculation of acquiring the Latvian big man, so here are the three potential new destinations for him

1. Golden State Warriors

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Warriors represent an intriguing fit for Porzingis’ skill set. Golden State desperately needs a floor-stretching center who can attack the rim and shoot from deep, making the 28-year-old an ideal target.

Porzingis’ shot-blocking ability would also reduce Draymond Green’s defensive workload while providing the spacing that complements Stephen Curry’s offensive system.

His presence would give the Warriors a legitimate interior threat they’ve lacked in recent seasons. However, the financials present major complications.

The Warriors would likely need a third team to absorb Jonathan Kuminga’s salary, while also including Moses Moody and other assets. Kuminga would need to agree to any new contract, making this a complex multi-team negotiation.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Photos by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images, Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Lakers represent perhaps the most logical destination for Porzingis given their championship timeline.

The Lakers are actively seeking a big man who can both protect the rim and stretch the floor alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Despite playing just 42 games last season, Porzingis averaged impressive numbers: 19 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and shot 41.2% from three-point range. Those statistics would make him the perfect third option for a win-now franchise.

The Lakers could construct a package around Rui Hachimura , Maxi Kleber, and pick swaps in 2030 and 2032.

This deal would give Boston role players and future flexibility while clearing significant salary cap space for both organizations.

3. Utah Jazz

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Utah Jazz actively pursued Porzingis during free agency before he joined Boston. Sources revealed they were prepared to offer more money than the Celtics if he had opted out of his previous contract.

The recent hiring of Austin Ainge as President of Basketball Operations creates a direct connection to Boston’s front office.

The former Celtics assistant GM understands both Porzingis’ value and Boston’s organizational needs, potentially smoothing trade negotiations.

Utah is building around Lauri Markkanen and seeking frontcourt help to complement their Finnish star. Adding Porzingis would create a formidable big-man duo combining elite spacing, shooting, and defensive length.

The Jazz could offer expiring contracts like Jordan Clarkson or John Collins to match Porzingis’ salary while clearing future cap space. This flexibility appeals to both teams as they navigate different roster construction timelines.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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