Celtics in 'Strong Talks' to Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics are on the verge of acquiring former All-Star center Kristaps Porzingis.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Celtics are aggressively pursuing the opportunity to acquire Kristaps Porzingis.

Per Charania, who reports the deal is considered a "high possibility," the framework discussed would send the former All-Star to Boston, Marcus Morris and draft compensation to the Wizards, and Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers.

As if three-team trades weren't complicated enough, it's unclear whether Porzingis will exercise his $36 million player option. But his doing so is the most likely avenue to this trade materializing.

If he opts in, expect the Celtics to include Danilo Gallinari, who recently exercised his $6.8 million player option. They and the Clippers are also likely pushing to send out as much salary as possible.

Charania also reported on Wednesday that the 2023-24 financial figures are higher than anticipated, with a $136 million salary cap, $2 million more than projected, and a $165 million luxury tax level, $3 million above expectation.

Boston could allow Luke Kornet, who's on a contract worth $2.4 million that doesn't become guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2024, and Mike Muscala, who has a team option for $3.5 million, to reach the open market.

Removing those two and Gallinari from its cap sheet without adding salary saves the organization $12.7 million. The combination of that and the second apron registering at $3 million above expectation makes it easier to re-sign Grant Williams.

However, the Celtics would have minimal room to stay under the second floor if they brought back the former Tennessee Volunteer and acquired Porzingis. It's much more likely the latter's in, and Williams has played his last game for Boston.

Another critical note about this potential trade is that Wednesday is the last day Porzingis can exercise his player option. Expect that to happen and this deal to go through.

The seven-foot-three center averaged a career-high 23.2 points last season, grabbed 8.4 rebounds, and dished out 2.7 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. Porzingis also drilled 38.5 percent of his 5.5 three-point attempts.

Plus, he's effective in drop coverage and could pair well with Robert Williams. The same goes for him and Al Horford against certain matchups.

Further Reading

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Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

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Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Marcus Sasser

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Julian Strawther

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jordan Walsh

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