The Boston Celtics shockingly traded Marcus Smart to get Kristaps Porzingis this offseason. Brad Stevens made it clear that they needed to shake things up, and KP is coming off arguably the best year of his career. Can Porzingis finally make a deep playoff run in his first campaign in Boston?
Injuries have been a problem throughout the Unicorn’s first seven NBA seasons, and he is currently dealing with a foot injury that will force him to miss the World Cup. The 7’3 big man is expected to be ready for training camp, but this could be a bad first sign.
What if things do not work out? Porzingis helped the Mavericks make the playoffs twice, but they advanced to the conference finals just months after trading him to the Wizards. KP’s unique skill can help and hinder. If Boston is ready to move before February’s trade deadline, there will be plenty of available talent.
Players Boston Celtics might replace Kristaps Porzingis with by the trade deadline
7. Spencer Dinwiddie
The Nets are facing an uncertain season after going from three superstars to none in one year. Brooklyn held onto make the playoffs, and Mikal Bridges looks like a star, but are the Nets a playoff team? Things could go sideways quickly, despite their talent and wing depth.
This would be wild as the Mavericks traded Kristaps Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie back in 2022, and it propelled Dallas to the conference finals. Could the Celtics repeat the feat?
Boston needs another playmaker after Marcus Smart’s departure, especially if Malcolm Brogdon struggles with injuries. Derrick White is the starting point guard, but it will be just Payton Pritchard backing him up if Brogdon misses time. The Celtics may be in search of a starting point guard at the deadline, and Dinwiddie is a proven option who figures to be available.
The Boston Celtics want a star, but they may have to settle for Spencer Dinwiddie.