Inside The Celtics

The Latest on Celtics' Pursuit of Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis has until midnight ET to exercise his $36 million player option, which would provide the easiest path for him to join the Celtics.

Bobby Krivitsky

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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As the clock nears midnight, the Celtics' pursuit of Kristaps Porzingis has taken a dramatic turn.

Initially, Boston was working with the Wizards and Clippers on the framework of a three-team trade that would send the former All-Star center to the C's, Malcolm Brogdon to Los Angeles, and Danilo Gallinari, Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, and the 30th pick in Thursday's draft to Washington.

However, according to veteran NBA insider, Marc Stein, curator of The Stein Line substack, the Clippers backed out due to concerns about Brogdon's forearm strain, which may require off-season surgery.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Celtics and Wizards are working on a deal that would send Porzingis to Boston. They could do so by subtracting what Los Angeles was including and, of course, Brogdon going to the nation's capital instead.

But Porzingis has until midnight ET to exercise his $36 million player option. The two sides could agree to push back the deadline for him to do so, but it seems to be something he's on board with, clearing the way for him to join the Celtics.

If Porzingis declines his player option, Boston could only acquire him via sign-and-trade, which would hard cap the Celtics, making their roster-building efforts the rest of this summer and through the upcoming campaign more complex.

It's also interesting the reporting references an opt-in and trade without mentioning a possible extension. But that could take place later this offseason, should this deal get across the finish line. The former fourth overall pick would be extension eligible in July.

Perhaps Boston would rather have the seven-foot-three center on an expiring contract, and Porzingis is open to that for a chance to join a title contender and cash in on the open market next summer.

Further Reading

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Celtics in 'Strong Talks' to Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18

Celtics Add Former Teammate of Jayson Tatum to Coaching Staff

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

Examining How the Bradley Beal Trade Impacts the Celtics

Rick Barry Says Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Suffer From “Westbrook Syndrome”

Rick Barry Discusses Nearly Joining Celtics, Shares His Perspective on Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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