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NBA insider floats new Kristaps Porzingis offseason possibility
Soon, the Celtics will start making deals to shed salary off their roster. But until then, there will be plenty of rumors and speculation. Some C's have already found themselves in trade rumors, like Jrue Holiday, Sam Hauser or Kristaps Porzingis.
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix floated over a new Porzingis possibility that doesn't necessarily have to be a trade. In an appearance on the KOC Show, Mannix explained some of the latest intel he's heard when it comes to the big man.
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'I've also heard, 'We're going to nibble around the fringes,'' Mannix said of the Celtics. 'If you want Jrue Holiday, you can have him. Porzingis, I think is available, but they'd like to get Porzingis back long-term at a lower price point on his next deal.'
Keeping Porzingis is an interesting scenario. The big man currently has one year and $30.7 million on his contract, so he's an expiring deal when it comes to a hypothetical trade. When the Celtics dealt for him from the Wizards two summers ago, he inked a two-year, $60 million extension.
Porzingis' availability issues have popped up consistently over his two seasons with the Celtics. He didn't play much during the 2024 title run and missed the first month of the 2024-25 season due to offseason foot surgery. Plus, his viral illness slowed him down significantly in the second round against the Knicks.
When Porzingis is healthy, he's a force. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 42 regular-season games. It's just that the healthy part has been an issue throughout his career. Other teams know that, too, which is likely why Porzingis' trade value isn't as high despite his talent.
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So, if Porzingis' value is low on the market, the C's could hope he can rehab that image by being healthy next season. When Porzingis is on, he's a tantalizing player with the way he can stretch the floor and protect the rim. If the big man signs an affordable extension and he's playing well, the team could also offload him for more value later.
The Celtics could go a number of different directions this summer with their roster. But what they will need to do is clear up the payroll as they'll likely take a step back next season. How they go about doing that is the question, and keeping Porzingis for the longer-term could be on the table.
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Read the original article on MassLive.
