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Boston Celtics ‘pursuing’ All-Star big man in potential trade: Report

BySam LaFrance|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards laugh with referee Sean Wright #4 in before the tipoff of a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Wizards 112-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards laugh with referee Sean Wright #4 in before the tipoff of a game at Wells Fargo Center on March 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Wizards 112-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

There have been rumblings of a potential Boston Celtics trade brewing over the course of the past week. A new rumor surfaced less than 48 hours before the 2023 NBA Draft, that the C’s are looking to swing a deal for a former All-Star big man.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Boston has been discussing a potential trade to land Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards.

“The Celtics are pursuing Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards in a potential opt-in-and-trade-deal, sources tell me,” Charania said . “I’m told Boston and Washington have been in discussions on a potential frame work, as Porzingis navigates the decision on his $36 million player-option for next season. The Wizards have shown a level of interest in bringing back Porzingis on a new deal, but there have also been contenders reaching out with interest in the seven-foot three big man.”

What would a Boston Celtics trade for Kristaps Porzingis look like?

After Charania’s report, it’s not outrageous to start imagining what it would take to pry the big man away from Washington.

Just a few days back, my good friend Jack Simone (very handsome) pitched the following deal that would land Porzingis in Boston this summer:

Since the mock trade was published, it’s made its way to Twitter, and Celtics fans have ripped the idea to shreds.

First and foremost, Boston would have to match salary in order for the deal to work. So, in this case, that means a total of $36 million to equal Porzingis’ player option. Brogdon makes up a large chunk of that change with his $22.5 million paycheck. Throw in Williams — who makes $11.5 million — and Pritchard — who will take home just over $4 million this year — and you’ve got yourself a trade that financially works.

Plus, the value in return for the Latvian isn’t too shabby either. Brogdon just won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, Williams was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team in 2022, and Pritchard could give solid minutes to any team who gives him the opportunity.

Should the Boston Celtics trade for Kristaps Porzingis?

It depends on the price, really. In a situation like the one mentioned above, Boston can probably get away with pulling the trigger. Porzingis is statistically one of the league’s best rim protectors. He’d be able to replace a large part of Williams’ appeal, while also providing some extra spacing with his ability to knock down shots from distance.

Losing both Brogdon and Pritchard wouldn’t be the greatest thing. Losing one would be alright since the other would fill in the voided role. In this case, the Celtics would go from one of the deepest backcourts in the NBA to one of the thinnest.

However, if they get the deal done soon enough, they’d be able to perhaps draft additional guard depth on Thursday night.