The Boston Celtics enter the offseason facing difficult roster choices, with Kristaps Porzingis emerging as a potential trade candidate.
As reported by Marc Stein on his Substack, league sources continue to identify Porzingis as the most movable veteran on Boston’s roster due to his $30.7 million expiring contract.
The Celtics were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals by the New York Knicks in six games, ending their bid for back-to-back championships.
Porzingis struggled throughout the series, logging over 20 minutes in just one contest as he dealt with a prolonged illness that has affected him since March.
In 11 playoff appearances, the 7-foot-3 center averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds on 31.6 percent shooting from the field and just 15.4 percent from three.
Boston’s front office is expected to explore options as Jayson Tatum is projected to miss significant time next season due to injury, raising questions about short-term competitiveness and long-term payroll.
Porzingis, who averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds on 48.3 percent shooting in 42 regular season games, had offseason surgery in June 2024 to repair a retinaculum injury, which kept him out to start the 2024-25 campaign.
Though still productive when healthy, Porzingis’ availability remains a concern, making his contract more valuable as an expiring asset than as an on-court contributor.
With major salaries tied up in Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White, Boston’s salary cap flexibility is limited heading into the 2025-26 season.
The Celtics finished second in the Eastern Conference at 61-21 but fell short of expectations in the postseason, marking their earliest playoff exit since 2021.
Rival teams believe Boston may need to rebalance the roster by dealing from its frontcourt depth, especially with Al Horford approaching 39 and Porzingis’ long-term health uncertain.
Stein noted that teams are monitoring the Celtics’ moves closely, anticipating that Brad Stevens may be forced into action this summer as Boston weighs a soft retool around Brown and Tatum.
