The Boston Celtics are currently in a transition period. Even before Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles, everyone could guess their offseason plans were primarily about cutting costs this offseason.
The Celtics have been above the NBA’s second tax apron for two straight years and want to avoid being above it for a third because that could lead to frozen draft assets. Hence, players like Kristaps Porzingismay be traded to another team.
However, when Porzingis is fully healthy, he brings the Celtics to another level, which factored into their winning their 18th title as a franchise. The sad reality is that he is a health risk on top of being expensive. That’s why he gets constantly mentioned among players most likely to be traded this summ
One Celtics legend believes the team should go the opposite direction. Basketball Hall-of-Famer and Celtics legend Kevin Garnett explained on “KG Certified” why Boston should keep Porzingis next season.
“Man, you got to bring Porzingis back,” Garnett said. “Porzingis makes it all unguardable. When Porzingis is in there and everybody is healthy, this year they weren’t healthy at all.”
The Celtics could look into trading other players to save money, like Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White. What makes Porzingis especially appealing, besides being a health risk, is that his contract is expiring, which trade partners will find palatable to acquire.
The Celtics’ big man will make $30.7 million for the 2025-26 season, which could appeal to teams trying to save long-term money. Boston might agree to take longer contracts if it helps them get under the second tax apron.
