NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics could struggle to trade center Kristaps Porzingis

The Boston Celtics had a disappointing 2024–25 National Basketball Association (NBA) season by their high standards. They were expected to be serious contenders to defend their title, having entered the season as reigning champions.

However, they suffered an early playoff exit at the hands of the New York Knicks. Following this, Celtics management is eager to make changes as they prepare for next season. Reports have emerged that the franchise is looking to trade away center Kristaps Porzingis, as Brad Stevens and the front office are taking steps to ensure that the team stays under the second apron of the league’s new salary cap.

Porzingis’ name has surfaced as Celtics management aims to get a grip on their finances, as trading the 29-year-old and his $30.7 million expiring contract would go a long way toward helping them stay below the second apron.

In an ideal world, there would be no shortage of suitors for a player of Porzingis’ caliber, considering that he is a reliable performer on the court. The center averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the floor for the Celtics last season. His ability to stretch opposing defenses and his physicality make him an ideal player for a team in need of a big man up front.

According to Owen Crisafulli of NESN, the Celtics will face a major issue while trying to move Porzingis due to his injury history and ongoing health concerns.

“The Celtics are $23 million over the second apron, and unless the Brooklyn Nets are willing to absorb the $30.7 million expiring contract of center Kristaps Porzingis, there is no direct path to getting under it with one singular trade.” (@ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/BK5UcRDIXx

— NetsMuse (@NetsMuse) June 9, 2025

“The issue is that Porzingis is coming off a postseason run where he was nearly unplayable due to a mysterious illness (he has also dealt with injury concerns for the majority of his career), and his $30.7 million salary isn’t cheap.”

“The prevailing thought among league executives is the Celtics will need to include draft capital in a trade offloading Kristaps Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract. Boston is very open to moving Porzingis, as their top goal will be to dodge the second apron this offseason,” added Evan Sidery of Forbes.

Porzingis’ health has been a concern for some time. During his tenure with the Celtics, he has played only 99 of a possible 142 games. In the 2024–25 season, the center appeared in just 42 games but was impressive when healthy, posting averages of 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from beyond the arc.

When healthy, there is no doubt that Porzingis is a valuable addition to any team seeking a center who can provide both physical presence and offensive firepower.

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