After the Boston Celtics failed in the second round in the postseason, don’t assume the front office will kick their feet up and run it back. In fact, the opposite might be true.
With a suffocating second apron looming and several high-salaried stars on the books, Boston could be forced into subtraction by necessity, and one surprising name on the chopping block is Kristaps Porzingis. This is purely about sustainability, and if Brad Stevens wants to keep this team contending deep into the decade without drowning in luxury tax penalties, he’ll need to make some tough calls.
Jayson Tatum is nursing an Achilles injury, and besides him, nobody on the team can be deemed untouchable.
Enter the Utah Jazz, a team with no illusions of title contention this season but plenty of win-now pieces ready to be leveraged. A “2 for 2” swap could benefit both sides: the Celtics offload a hefty contract while upgrading their starting five with grittier, more durable depth, and the Jazz land a star to jumpstart their next phase.
Don’t be surprised if Boston kicks the tires on this kind of shakeup. They’ve proven they’re not afraid of bold moves, and this one could balance their books and boost their repeat chances.
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis
Boston Celtics Gain Shooting And Defense At A Cheaper Level
Boston bolsters its frontcourt and backcourt simultaneously in this trade. Walker Kessler, fresh off a breakout 2024-25 campaign, averaged 11.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 2.4 BPG while shooting an electric 66.3% from the field.
At just 23 and on $4.9M next season, his rim protection and rebounding prowess fill a glaring need for attack anchors, all while replacing Porzingis' hefty $30 million salary with a much more cost-effective option, freeing room under the dreaded second apron.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton ($19M next season) brings explosive scoring and elite energy to Boston's guard rotation. In 63 games for Utah, he dropped 18.4 PPG, connecting on 40.6% from deep and showcasing top-tier on-ball quickness.
Sexton’s ability to generate offense off the dribble and stretch the floor offers versatility and spark alongside Tatum and Brown, laddering the Celtics with a younger, cheaper punch.
Together, Kessler and Sexton don’t just fill roles; they offer long-term upside. Kessler's interior game enhances Boston’s defense, while Sexton’s backcourt chops sharpen their offensive edge.
Both come on cheaper salaries, allowing Boston cap flexibility and appeasing CBA restrictions, all while injecting youth and athleticism into a veteran lineup.
Utah Jazz Add Some Win-Now Pieces Around Lauri Markkanen And The No. 5 Overall Pick
Utah pivots to veteran leadership with this move. Derrick White, a steady All-Defensive guard, averages 16.4 PPG, 4.8 APG, and 4.5 RPG across 76 games alongside Porzingis, thriving in Boston’s systems. His two-way consistency, especially in crunch time, brings veteran savvy and playmaking punch to Utah’s younger squad.
On the other end of the court, Kristaps Porzingis brings elite spacing and rim protection, averaging $30.7 million next season. In Boston, he displayed his gravity, floor-stretching, and defense. Utah lands a high-impact big man who can form a formidable frontcourt pairing with Lauri Markkanen and bolster their competitiveness.
This deal signals Utah's “win-now” approach around Markkanen, infusing the roster with experienced, proven contributors. Jumping from a pure rebuild, the Jazz could quickly become a dark-horse playoff team, pairing youth and draft assets with veteran guidance and immediate impact talent.
A Perfect "2 For 2" Deal Involving Some Key Moving Parts
The financials align beautifully. Boston sheds Porzingis' $30M contract, replacing it with Kessler and Sexton’s combined $24M, providing breathing room under the second apron while keeping core stars intact. The move also sidesteps luxury tamp restrictions, preserving future trades, draft flexibility, and roster fluidity.
Utah, meanwhile, swaps two veteran expiring pieces for a defensive anchor and offensive spark. They upgrade from mid-tier rotation players to two veterans capable of immediately elevating the team around Markkanen. It’s a statement: they believe this season and postseason contention are within reach.
Narratively, it’s strategic chess. Boston gains gearable youth with upside and cap relief, while Utah grabs leadership and spacing to accelerate their window. Both teams walk away strengthened, a classic win-win execution that tightens margins, maximizes assets, and turns needs into opportunities.
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