The Boston Celtics lost an important member of their personnel on Monday, as it was reported that Austin Ainge will join his dad, ex-Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, with the Utah Jazz (via ESPN's Shams Charania). More than that, Austin will become their President of Basketball Operations.
However, that could potentially make it easier for the Celtics and Jazz to become trade partners this offseason. The Celtics want to save money, and the Jazz are one of the few teams that can help them do that with their flexibility.
MassLive's Brian Robb outlined how the Jazz could help the Celtics accomplish their offseason goals.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8)
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8)
© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Robb floated Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday as players they could trade to the Jazz, seeing as Utah had interest in both before the Celtics acquired them.
"League sources tell MassLive that the Jazz showed interest in acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday via trade back in 2023 before both players landed ultimately landed in Boston," Robb wrote. "Both players are available again on the trade market this year as the Celtics weigh offseason options to retool their roster and reduce salary to get under the second apron after Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles."
Robb added, "Whether Holiday or Porzingis interest the Jazz front office now a couple of years later will be a fascinating question, but the Jazz could be a big wildcard in the NBA offseason if they start trying to push back towards playoff contention."
The Jazz have multiple expiring contracts - John Collins, Collin Sexton, John Collins - and multiple non-guaranteed and partially guaranteed contracts - KJ Martin, Johnny Juzang, Svi Mykhailiuk, Jaden Springer - that could interest the Celtics.
It will all depend on what the Jazz want this offseason.