5 Moves Celtics should make after Kristaps Porzingis trade
By Tyler Watts
2. Extend Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis opted into the final year of his contract, but the Celtics are only getting more expensive moving forward. They must find a way to work out a long-term contract with The Unicorn. Marc Stein reported the trade likely comes with an extension, but the deal could be shorter than fans think.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes that KP is only eligible for a two-year extension starting on July 7 for the next six months. That deal would at least keep him in Boston for multiple seasons. Porzingis is only 27 years old, but his injury history makes a shorter-term deal appealing to Boston.
The two sides need to work out a salary. Porzingis is not a $36 million per season player, but what number is he willing to accept? Could they ink him to a two-year $60 million contract in July? That would make Boston a second tax apron team next season as Jaylen Brown’s extension kicks in or the Celtics would have to trade away their depth.
The Boston Celtics did not trade away Malcolm Brogdon for one year of Kristaps Porzingis, so they have to figure out an extension for both the Unicorn and Jaylen Brown this summer.