Author: Monojit Mandal
The Boston Celtics are apparently working on a three-team deal with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards that would bring Kristaps Porzingis to town. This announcement comes as the Celtics prepare for another big run to the postseason in the 2023-24 NBA season.
The proposed deal would send Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, Danilo Gallinari and the 30th pick in the recent NBA draft to the Washington Wizards, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Kristaps Porziis would travel to Boston in exchange. In addition, as part of the deal, the Los Angeles Clippers would receive Malcolm Brogdon.
The prospect of Porziis collaborating with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown sparked huge interest on social media. Although there have been doubts about Porziis’ durability in the past, he is coming off an excellent season with the Washington Wizards, when he averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. Porziis also demonstrated his shooting ability, with a field goal percentage of 49.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 38.5%.
The arrival of Porziis would offer the Celtics more rim protection in the front court, as well as excellent depth alongside Al Horford and Rob Williams. Porziis’ flexibility would allow him to thrive in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop scenarios with Tatum and Brown, while making the lives of opposing strongmen a nightmare. As a result, the Celtics’ big wings will have more opportunities to drive.
With this possible transaction, the Boston Celtics are signaling their commitment to a championship-or-bust approach for next season. Porziis, who has the impressive height of 7 feet 3 inches, is known for his versatility to play both pivot and forward. The Latvian international made his debut for Sevilla in 2012 and quickly established himself as an up-and-coming talent. In 2015, he received the EuroCup Basketball Rising Star award, the youngest revered of all time, before being picked fourth in the NBA lottery by the New York Knicks.
Despite injuries and uneven performances throughout his tenure in Dallas, Porziis’ potential and talent were not ignored. After a trade to the Washington Wizards in 2022, the Celtics are now trying to maximize their effect on the team’s championship prospects.