Celtics Eye Star Big as Kristaps Porzingis' Status Remains Unclear
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The Boston Celtics have a crucial summer ahead of them. The Celtics could undergo numerous changes to their roster, and at the forefront of these changes is their champion big man, Kristaps Porzingis.
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Porzingis is coming off a tough second season with the Celtics, which was filled with injuries. It was far from an ideal season for the big man, and there is a chance he could find a new home after two seasons in Beantown.
The rumors will start to swirl as the offseason inches closer. There is a real chance the Celtics could deal Porzingis, but the question is for what? That's the million-dollar question surrounding the Celtics regarding the 29-year-old.
The Celtics could go in a variety of ways, but according to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Boston could acquire Utah Jazz star big man Walker Kessler and be considered the Porzingis replacement.
Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a missed shot in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison...
Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a missed shot in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. More
PhotoSwarts listed Kessler as one of the three dream trade targets for the Celtics this offseason.
"The Celtics should be looking for young centers on low-cost contracts if Porziņģis is traded, especially with Al Horford set to turn 39 in a few weeks and hitting free agency. Both Kessler and Williams are still on their rookie contracts and would provide rim protection and rebounding," wrote Swartz.
Kessler is on that short list from the Celtics alongside Hornets center Mark Williams and financial relief, something Boston certainly needs to address.
Kessler, 23, would be a perfect fit in Boston if they were to make a move for the big man. The Jazz star is significantly younger and healthier than Kessler. This past season wasn't Kessler's healthiest, but he has played in 196 of a possible 246 games in his three-year career, which accounts for 79 percent of his career.
The former Auburn Tiger is coming off a season in which he posted career-highs across the board, averaging 11.1 points per game, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.4 blocks while shooting 66.3 percent from the field in 30.0 minutes of action in 58 games.
Porzingis' future in Boston appears uncertain, as the Celtics face significant financial challenges this offseason. A hefty payroll and the looming risk of exceeding both the salary cap and luxury tax limits will likely force the team into some tough decisions.
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For more on the Celtics and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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