Latest news with #Porzingis
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Do the Phoenix Suns really want to trade for Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis?
Do the Phoenix Suns really want to trade for Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis? Do the Phoenix Suns really want to trade for Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis? After seeing how poorly he was able to play in yet another postseason, there is a certain contingent of Celtics fans who are more than ready to ship out the Latvian center at the first available opportunity. But Porzingis has real value when he is able to take the court, and his recent viral malady was as rare of an issue as his ankle injury from the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Add in the fact that he is currently on a $30.7 million expiring deal that could solve Boston's cap crunch concerns by literally doing nothing, and KP has value to the Celtics on multiple levels -- including the fact that Boston has a dearth of high level big men under contract, and that they could also save money AND keep Porzingis by renegotiating an extension with him. Can the Suns put together an offer that would beat those pluses for the Celtics? The folks behind the "WEEI Boston's Sports Original" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Jones and Keefe" show to talk it all over. Check it out below!
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics could pursue $125 milion ex-Atlanta Hawks superstar to form deadly duo with Jayson Tatum; key trade asset might surprise you
Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown (7) defends New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson as Kristaps Porzingis watches during the first half of Game 6 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs Friday, May 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) The Boston Celtics are exploring major roster changes this offseason, including a potential trade involving Kristaps Porzingis and a push to acquire ex- Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins . With financial flexibility and title aspirations in mind, the Celtics could outbid rivals like the Los Angeles Lakers to strengthen their lineup. Why Kristaps Porzingis Could Be on the Move The Boston Celtics face a tricky salary cap situation, and moving Porzingis could provide relief while still keeping their core intact. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White are considered untouchable, but Porzingis and Jrue Holiday emerge as viable trade candidates to reshape the roster. A potential deal with the Utah Jazz has surfaced as a realistic option. As reported by Anthony Irwin, the Jazz and Lakers have discussed a trade involving John Collins and Rui Hachimura. However, Boston could swoop in with a simpler offer: Porzingis for Collins straight up. How John Collins Fits the Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum's teammate expresses concern after Boston Celtics star suffers a setback during Game 4 (Image Credit: Getty Images) Collins, who holds a $26.6 million player option for next season, would bring immediate value to the Boston Celtics: - Scoring & Rebounding: Averaged 19 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. - Versatility: Can play power forward or small-ball center. - Cost-Effective: Cheaper than Porzingis long-term if he opts in. "With Tatum out for much of the year in Boston, Collins' high-level production could also help the Boston Celtics stay afloat in a somewhat weak Eastern Conference," notes original writer Ivan White. (H/t: Sporting News) Key Considerations for the Trade 1. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Collins' Player Option: He must opt into his $26.6 million deal for the trade to work. 2. Porzingis' Role in Utah: The Jazz may see him as a rehab project to boost his value. 3. Boston Celtics' Title Window: Boston must balance financial flexibility with immediate competitiveness. What's Next for Boston? If the Boston Celtics land Collins, they gain a reliable frontcourt presence without sacrificing their core. Meanwhile, Utah gets a high-upside big man in Porzingis. With the Lakers also in the mix, Boston's ability to outbid rivals could define their offseason success. This move wouldn't come without risks, but for a team eyeing another championship, bold decisions may be necessary. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to land $84,322,418 Utah Jazz duo to support LeBron-Luka power duo; Austin Reaves key trade asset? Summary Table: Porzingis vs. Collins Factor Kristaps Porzingis John Collins 2024-25 Salary Higher long-term cost $26.6M (if opted in) Production Elite scorer, injury concerns Consistent 19/8 performer Fit in Boston Stretch big, but expensive Cheaper, versatile frontcourt option Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
RUMOR: Kristaps Porzingis linked to Suns as Celtics explore trade options
The post RUMOR: Kristaps Porzingis linked to Suns as Celtics explore trade options appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Boston Celtics find themselves in a unique predicament entering this offseason, one that is of significant interest to much of the NBA. They wish to simultaneously cut payroll and maintain competitive standing in the Eastern Conference. The best way to accomplish this challenging objective may be to trade center Kristaps Porzingis. Advertisement There is no denying the crucial role the former All-Star played in helping the Celtics reach the league's top-tier over the last two seasons, but he is arguably the most expendable member of the team's core. Porzingis will earn $30.7 million next season before becoming a free agent. His expiring contract figures to intrigue franchises that are seeking offensive versatility or willing to take on a sizable short-term financial commitment in order to gain long-term flexibility. The Phoenix Suns fall somewhere between both categories, making them a possible trade partner. Apparently, they are already mulling over a Porzingis trade pursuit. 'I've also heard that Phoenix has done some background work on Kristaps Porziņģis with Boston known to be exploring its trade options up and down the roster,' The Stein Line's Jake Fischer reported. 'Sources say you can likewise add Phoenix to the list of teams that had been hoping to elbow its way into Myles Turner's free agency this summer. We wrote earlier this week about teams such as Detroit and Atlanta that covet Turner but realistically concede that the longtime Pacers center is highly likely to re-sign with Indiana this summer after helping Indy reach the NBA Finals.' Are the Suns a suitable trade partner for Celtics? Assuming the Suns fail to gain momentum in the forthcoming Turner sweepstakes, the Latvian big man is a logical Plan B. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel highlighted the luxury tax obstacles that could complicate a potential Porzingis trade, which will likely require the front office to ship out Kevin Durant. Whether or not the Celtics can deal Porzingis and acquire the former MVP in the same move is hard to say, but they are surely considering all options. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Suns have to figure out how to avoid squandering Devin Booker's prime without recklessly absorbing another large salary. A Kristaps Porzingis rental may just be the most painless and practical avenue to take. He scored 19.5 points while shooting a career-high 41.2 percent from behind the 3-point line in 42 games last season, exhibiting great value before enduring a mysterious illness. The 29-year-old (turns 30 in August) looked out of sorts in the playoffs, shooting an abysmal 31.6 percent in 11 games. The 'background work' Phoenix is conducting on Porzingis ideally involves management inquiring about his condition. If the seven-plus-footer's health continues to be both enigmatic and concerning, then engaging in serious trade talks is probably imprudent. There is seemingly nothing the Suns can do this offseason to vault into championship contention, but it is imperative that they position themselves for an eventual return to prominence. Hence, no stone should be left unturned. Related: NBA news: Jalen Suggs, Tyrese Haliburton cousin truth has fans losing their minds Related: Khaman Maluach gets real on how Duke prepared him for NBA Draft
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kristaps Porzingis trade rumors: Suns doing ‘background' work on Celtics center (report)
The Celtics are weighing a number of different moves this offseason as they explore ways to reduce a historic luxury tax bill following Jayson Tatum's torn Achilles. One notable name that could be on the trade block is Kristaps Porzingis. The 29-year-old has been a key part of the Celtics roster for the past two years but struggled through the 2025 postseason while dealing with the lingering effects of a mysterious illness that sidelined him for nine games in March. Porzingis has one year remaining on his contract after signing a two-year extension with Boston back in July 2023. He is earning $30.3 million next year, making him a movable trade chip, but his value around the league is uncertain after his postseason performance and a history of durability issues (99 games played in the last two years). Advertisement Boston could look to move other potential roster players (Jrue Holiday, Sam Hauser) while keeping Porzingis in hopes he can rebuild his value next season. However, given his age and contract situation, Brad Stevens could pull the trigger on a move this summer if he finds the right return. One team that desperately needs some big man help are the Phoenix Suns. NBA insider Jake Fischer writes on Marc Stein's Substack today that the Suns may be a team taking a closer look at Porzingis. 'I've also heard that Phoenix has done some background work on Kristaps Porziņģis with Boston known to be exploring its trade options up and down the roster,' Fischer reports. The Suns were not on the list of potential Porzingis trade destinations laid out by MassLive earlier this month and that comes for good reasons. Both the Celtics and Suns are currently set to be above the second apron next season, making any trade between the two teams illegal as things currently stand. However, both teams are expected to be very busy this offseason in their attempts to reduce some payroll. The Suns are deep in Kevin Durant trade talks at the moment with a host of players and draft picks expected to coming back their way once that deal goes through. Advertisement If the Suns are able to dip under the second apron (or waive contracts so they can dip under second apron beginning in July) they will be able to aggregate salaries in any trade. The Suns wouldn't be able to take back more than 100 percent of any salary they send out if they remain above the first apron, but if they can find a landing spot for some salary with a third team, that would open the door for a hypothetical Porzingis swap. There's obviously not a lot that would entice the Celtics right now on the Suns current roster. Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale are on mid-level deals that could reduce some salary and be easier to move, but those are long-term pacts. Beyond that, it's just a lot of big salaries (Beal, Booker) and smaller ones that won't be particularly helpful in a deal. Ultimately, a lot of things would need to happen for a deal like this to become feasible (perhaps the Celtics could work their way into the Durant deal as a facilitator) but even that would be tricky with their second apron limitations. The Suns do need a center though and if they want to compete next year despite losing Durant, Porzingis may be one of their best options at center available on the trade market. More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Boston Celtics forward criticizes Kristaps Porzingis
With the Celtics in the thick of trade rumors, just about everyone seemingly has an opinion on what Boston's front office should do this summer. The C's are looking to shed salary off their payroll, so the roster will look different. It's just a question of who exactly could be moved and what return the Celtics will get in any trades. Marcus Morris Sr. was blunt when asked about the Celtics' future on an appearance on Yahoo! Sports' "Good Word With Goodwill." The former C's forward made it clear what he thinks about current big man Kristaps Porzingis, specifically. Morris played for the Celtics from 2017-19, playing in a total of 832 career NBA games. Advertisement 'I don't think they need any major changes,' Morris said. 'I'm going to be candid because I'm on the media's side. Porzingis is not a Celtic. Porzingis doesn't embody what they need from him. That's not no knock to him; I know he has injuries. I think you definitely dangle him to see what you can get. But I don't think you can get that much, to be honest, the way this league is going on.' Porzingis has played the past two seasons in Boston, and while he's shown his otherworldly talent, he just hasn't been consistently healthy. That was again the case publicly during the East semifinals against the Knicks. Porzingis was bogged down significantly by his illness during the series as the Celtics were upset in six games. Porzingis is one guy who could be moved this summer, though it also depends on what the Celtics could get back for him. While the C's know about his injury history, so does the rest of the league. With one year and $30.7 million left on his contract, it remains to be seen what teams are willing to give up for the talented big man. The Celtics are also shopping other names like Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser, while potentially listening to offers for some of their core guys. That's part of the uncertainty when it comes to this summer as, depending on the haul, a key piece could be unexpectedly traded. But, for now, the Celtics front office is doing their due diligence ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Advertisement 'Jrue Holiday, I feel like Jrue still has a ton of years left in him,' Morris said. 'Wherever Jrue goes, he's still going to be able to help a team. The things he brings to the team is unmatched. Defensively, scoring, being able to guard multiple positions. I'm a little skeptical about trading the Jrue thing, but I know they just kind of want to open their books. They got a lot of money on the books.' More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
