The Boston Celtics could undergo a significant roster overhaul this offseason. Being over the NBA's second tax apron, several of their players on the current roster will likely not be available for the 2025-26 season. Among them is Kristaps Porzingis.
Because Porzingis is owed $30.7 million for this upcoming season, trading him could help them accomplish their primary offseason goal. Despite his issues with staying on the floor, he may interest trade partners because his contract will expire in 2026.
In the last two years, Boston has seen how good they are when Porzingis is on the floor, but he has shown his availability can fluctuate. That makes him an easy trade candidate.
Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis
Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
However, that could also play into why the Celtics may want to keep him. On The Kevin O'Connor Show, Chris Mannix revealed that while Porzingis is on the block, he believes the Celtics would actually prefer things go a different way with him.
"Porzingis, I think, is available, but I think they would like to get Porzingis back long-term at a lower price point on his next deal," Mannix said.
Given much of the reporting in recent weeks about Porzingis' availability on the trade market, Boston eyeing a potential new deal comes as a bit of a surprise. That said, health issues could help the Celtics keep him on the team at a much steeper discount than what he's been paid for the last two seasons in Boston.
If the plan is to keep him around, that could have implications for the future of Jrue Holiday, Sam Hauser, and maybe even Payton Pritchard in Boston. If the plan is to keep Porzingis, they'll likely have to trade at least two of those three players to get under the NBA's second tax apron.