The Boston Celtics cruised through the 2024–25 regular season, finishing with an impressive 61–21 record and claiming the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Powered by the third-best net rating in the league and an MVP-caliber year from Jayson Tatum, the Celtics looked every bit the part of a repeat contender.
But playoff basketball tells a different story—and Boston is on the verge of elimination in the second round, trailing the New York Knicks 3-1 in a series marred by inconsistency and injury.
At the heart of the Celtics' problem lies Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian big man had a strong display in the regular season, averaging 19.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. He has been crucial to the team's success while anchoring their defense as well as being a reliable floor spacing center.
Unfortunately, in the postseason, Porzingis has struggled to deliver under pressure. This could be attributed to several reasons. An illness just before the playoffs left him visibly slower and out of sync, forcing Boston to play the big man off the bench. However, his averages of just 8.9 points and 5.0 rebounds on 33% shooting are simply not befitting a key role player on a championship team.
The Celtics' big man is set to make $30.7 million next season. Considering that it will be the final year of his deal, Boston is set to face a financial crunch.
They are staring down the barrel of the second luxury tax apron ahead of the 2025–26 season. Should Boston attempt to retain its current roster, it will lose all kinds of flexibility concerning roster construction. With an elimination game looming as well, it is evident that the franchise will have some tough decisions to make heading into the offseason.
Moving on from Porzingis, whose playoff value continues to diminish, might be the most strategic path forward in this regard. With this in mind, we take a look at five potential trades that could help Boston capitalize on the situation to strengthen their roster and future, while also giving Porzingis a chance to reset on a team better suited for him.'
Celtics Deal With Hornets Could Be Win-Win For Both Teams
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Mark Williams, Josh Okogie, 2025 First-Round Pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics could make use of an up-and-coming big man like Mark Williams. At just 23, he’s a rebounding machine and shot-blocking presence who can immediately bolster Boston’s interior defense. His athleticism also allows him to run the floor, making him a mobile lob threat on the open court. Meanwhile, the addition Josh Okogie adds valuable perimeter defense off the bench, and the 2026 first-round pick gives Boston a flexible future asset.
There is an element of drama involved with this trade as well. Considering that Williams' move to the Lakers was rescinded, it is evident that the youngsters hold some grudges. In light of this, joining their arch rivals could only prove to be the ideal move for the young center.
The Charlotte Hornets also stand to benefit from this trade. While considering their need for a floor-spacing big next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Porzingis fits the mold as a rim protector who can stretch the floor. Charlotte can afford to take the risk with young talent in place, and with little to lose, they can experiment with a player like the Latvian on the roster.
Celtics Land Two Role Players And Valuable Pick
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Brandon Clarke, Santi Aldama, 2026 First-Round Pick
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Kristaps Porzingis
Memphis Grizzlies big man Brandon Clarke is a versatile defender and elite lob threat who fits Boston’s identity. Although he is coming off an injury, Clarke could prove to be a solid presence under the basket on both sides of the floor.
Santi Aldama is a stretch-four with playmaking instincts and untapped upside. Coming off a solid season of averaging 12.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Aldama offers a lot of flexibility to the roster while improving upon their creativity on the open court with his playmaking ability.
This deal preserves Boston’s title window while improving roster depth. The addition of two reliable bigs, along with some draft capital, sees them maintain roster integrity to remain competitive for the near future.
The Grizzlies missed the playoffs in 2025 due to injuries and regression. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. still forming the core, a veteran big like Porzingis offers shot creation and pick-and-pop spacing.
A twin-tower setting of stretch bigs such as Porzingis and Jackson could also be lethal, considering that both of them can space the floor and provide solid rim protection as well.
Celtics Move On From Porzingis In Deal With Magic
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Wendell Carter Jr., Jett Howard, 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 Second-Round Pick
Orlando Magic Receive: Kristaps Porzingis
A move for Wendell Carter Jr. would be quite interesting for the Celtics. In some ways, he could be considered a younger, cheaper, and more consistent defender than Porzingis.
Carter Jr. brings rebounding, switchability, and floor spacing at a significantly lower price. Meanwhile, Jett Howard gives Boston a developmental wing with upside if given time. Although Howard's addition isn't of much value, the first and second-round picks make for a substantial package to fulfill the Celtics' needs for the future.
The Orlando Magic need to make some moves in the offseason. In light of this, the team would experience a massive boost in their roster strength with Porzingis on the floor. The Magic clawed their way to the playoffs this season. Unfortunately, and ironically, they were quietly sent home by the Celtics.
Their inexperience and lack of a reliable big man were put on display in the series. Adding Porzingis next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner gives them a new dimension on offense, spacing the floor for their slashers while adding rim protection on defense.
Celtics Acquire Two First-Round Picks In This Deal
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Jakob Poeltl, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick
Toronto Raptors Receive: Kristaps Porzingis
A trade with the Toronto Raptors could be highly beneficial for the Celtics. Raptors center Jakob Poeltl isn’t as solid a shooter as Porzingis. However, he’s a high-IQ big who plays smart defense, grabs rebounds, and is capable of facilitating from the post.
His $20M per year deal is easier to absorb under cap restrictions. It is also worth noting that Poeltl only has two years left on his contract. This could make him extremely valuable as an asset for trades ahead of the deadline if necessary.
The important aspect of this deal remains the draft capital. With cap issues taken care of, the Celtics can focus on building through the draft to remain competitive.
Meanwhile, the Raptors have been one of the more underwhelming teams this season. Although they have some solid players on their roster, it is quite evident that they aren't necessarily a competitive side.
A player like Porzingis adds perimeter shooting and a proven offensive weapon next to Scottie Barnes. His scoring versatility could ignite a stagnant offense and allow Toronto to make some upgrades to its style of play.
Spurs' Perfect Package For Kristaps Porzingis
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Julian Champagnie, Harrison Barnes, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2028 First-Round Pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kristaps Porzingis
Any trade with the San Antonio Spurs at this point could potentially restructure the landscape of the league. The Boston Celtics would find themselves in a solid position to acquire Harrison Barnes, who, while aging, still provides two-way value and veteran leadership on an expiring deal. Barnes offers wing depth and could be used as a valuable trade chip later in the season.
Julian Champagnie is a sneaky-good wing shooter with size and hustle. Champagnie averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 41.5% shooting per game. Although he hasn't developed much in his two years with the Spurs, he could prove to be a durable asset off the bench if given more playing time.
The real emphasis will remain on the first-round picks for the future. While the deal gives Boston the flexibility to build through the draft, it also gives them the flexibility to manage their cap by waiving or flipping their two new acquisitions.
Meanwhile, the Spurs have already displayed their commitment to building around Victor Wembanyama. By bringing in De'Aaron Fox last season, the Spurs have already set up a lethal pick-and-roll combo for the future. In addition to this, adding Porzingis to the mix creates an unfair two-tower situation in their starting frontcourt.
Historically, this combination has brought the franchise a lot of success. With two unique big men anchoring the defensive and offensive rotation for the team, the Spurs could boast one of the most lethal rosters in the West.
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