In a recent appearance on The Kevin O'Connor Show, Chris Mannix shared that the Boston Celtics have an interest in keeping Kristaps Porzingis long-term.
"I've also heard, 'We're going to nibble around the fringes,'" conveyed Mannix about how the Celtics might maneuver this offseason. "If you want Jrue Holiday, you can have him. Porzingis, I think, is available, but they'd like to get Porzingis back long-term at a lower price point on his next deal."
The former All-Star is on an expiring $30.7 million contract. While he left $17 million on the table when he signed his two-year, $60 million pact upon arriving in Boston, his annual salary is in line for a reduction.
The Celtics could trade Porzingis and re-engage with him next summer. The idea of keeping him through this season and getting under the second apron is possible but challenging.
The 2023-24 NBA champions could dip below that threshold by trading Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser. However, that leaves little wiggle room to fill out the roster. Such an approach could cost them at least one, if not both, Luke Kornet and Al Horford.
A Porzingis reunion makes sense
The seven-foot-two center is coming off a disappointing campaign. That's the result of an illness zapping Porzingis's energy. He was a shell of himself in the playoffs.
However, when he's healthy, he elevates the Celtics at both ends of the floor. He punishes switches on post-ups, gives the offense a release valve, and has a range that extends well beyond the three-point line.
At the other end of the floor, the Latvian native is deployed primarily in drop coverage. However, he's capable of being more dynamic when asked. He's also a disruptive presence around the rim. He averaged 1.5 blocks last season. For his career, he's swatted nearly two shots per contest.
Boston doesn't win Banner 18 without him. Porzingis was integral to earning the best record in the Association [64-18] and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. He starred in Game 1 of the Finals, delivering 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks off the bench.
While there are concerns about his durability, he turns 30 in August and figures to have productive years ahead if he can stay healthy.
Trading him to help get under the second apron and remain below it after filling out the roster makes sense. But there is a bond between Porzingis and Boston. He will fire the crowd up with double fist pumps, WWE-style entrances to the TD Garden parquet, and greet fans waiting near the team bus as they exit an opposing arena.
The relationship he has with the Celtics and the city lends itself to the plausibility of him returning next summer, even if he's traded this one.
Who's to say what moves Boston makes this offseason, but the idea of Jayson Tatum and Porzingis returning to flank Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard is a viable path back to title contention.