Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Washington Wizards
The Boston Celtics are sitting pretty at the top of the NBA, boasting one of the league’s most potent rosters and a championship window that seems wide open. With a core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and a supporting cast that complements their star power, the Celtics are rightly seen as one of the favorites to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy once again.
However, as successful as Boston has been, it’s always possible that the team’s front office could look to make a move before the trade deadline. While it might seem unlikely, the Celtics have a history of staying ahead of the curve, constantly looking for ways to refine and improve the roster. In this hypothetical scenario, one of their most intriguing assets, Kristaps Porzingis, could be on the move.
The Porzingis Dilemma: Can Boston Afford to Keep Him?
Porzingis has been a revelation for Boston since being traded to the team in the offseason. His stretch-five ability, shot-blocking prowess, and overall versatility make him an invaluable part of the Celtics’ scheme. However, as many fans know, the Latvian big man’s injury history has long been a cause for concern. After a promising start to his career, Porzingis has battled various injuries, and his durability remains a question mark.
Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, has to weigh whether the risk of keeping Porzingis for the long haul is worth the reward. His $30 million salary for the next two seasons, including this one, is substantial, especially when you consider the Celtics are already locked into significant deals with Tatum and Brown. With the CBA restrictions tightening and the second apron looming, the Celtics could find themselves in a financial bind if they don’t offload some of these higher salaries.
The Hypothetical Three-Team Trade: Will It Shake Up Boston’s Roster?
In a recent trade idea, the Celtics could part ways with Porzingis in a three-team deal that would reshape their roster. The proposed trade would involve the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Boston, with the Celtics receiving a mix of established talent and future assets.
Celtics Receive:
– Jonas Valančiūnas. (C, Wizards)
– Cody Martin (SF, Hornets)
– Seth Curry (SG, Hornets)
– 2026 First-Round Pick (Hornets)
Hornets Receive:
– Kristaps Porzingis (C, Celtics)
Wizards Receive:
– Grant Williams (PF, Celtics)
– 2025 2nd-Round Pick (Celtics)
– 2025 2nd-Round Pick (Hornets)
– 2027 2nd-Round Pick (Hornets)
Why This Trade Makes Sense (For Boston)
Though losing Porzingis would be a tough pill to swallow, this deal offers some intriguing possibilities for Boston. Jonas Valančiūnas is a proven, physical center who has consistently been a strong rebounder and solid scorer. His experience and durability would make him a reliable replacement for Porzingis, providing the Celtics with another veteran presence in the frontcourt.
In addition to Valančiūnas, the Celtics would get Cody Martin, a versatile wing with solid three-point shooting and defensive chops, which could bolster Boston’s depth on the perimeter. Seth Curry, another sharp-shooter, would provide additional spacing for the Celtics’ offense, making him a valuable asset to complement their stars. Finally, the 2026 first-round pick could be useful down the road, giving the Celtics another asset to play with if needed.
The Financial Considerations
Financially, this trade would also help ease some of the Celtics’ payroll burdens. Porzingis’ $30 million salary makes him one of the highest-paid players on the team, and his contract is likely a sticking point as Boston tries to navigate the salary cap with the new CBA restrictions. By shedding his contract, the Celtics would gain more flexibility, especially as they try to build a championship-caliber team around their two cornerstone players, Tatum and Brown.
The Possibility of a Shake-Up
As unlikely as it may seem, making a move like this would not be out of character for Boston’s front office. With so much at stake, the Celtics could choose to act aggressively if they feel that offloading Porzingis would better position them for sustained success. After all, they have no shortage of stars and plenty of depth already.
Of course, it’s important to note that this deal is just a theoretical scenario. It’s still far too early to know what the trade deadline holds, and Boston is likely to stay put if the team continues its dominant form. However, should they need to make a change, this idea offers a glimpse into how the Celtics might maneuver their roster, balancing both short-term championship aspirations and long-term financial flexibility.
As the trade deadline approaches, keep an eye on the Celtics. While they may not need to make a move, the potential for roster changes always looms, and with the right offer, the front office might be willing to shake things up for the greater good of the team’s future.
