On the January 29th episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast, he addressed some reader questions and an interesting hypothetical scenario. He considered the possibility that the Hawks would end up using Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring $30.73 million contract in some kind of deal before the deadline.
In this scenario, the emailer theorized that whatever team acquires KP would be doing so in a salary dump and would likely be willing to buy him out. In that case, assuming Porzingis cleared waivers, which he almost certainly would, as no team would claim that contract, he would then be free to sign with any team (other than the Hawks) for the rest of the season.
The purpose of the Simmons mailbag question was what if he becomes a free agent and would like to sign back with the Celtics on a minimum contract for the rest of the season. It’s a fascinating idea, as KP played in Boston for the past two years, helped the team win a title, and built a great rapport with many of the players who remain on the team.
On the other hand, Porzingis really struggled to stay on the court, and his illness during the playoffs last season may have cost them a chance at repeating. It was clearly time to move on, and they were lucky to get out of his contract when they did.
Porzingis has been solid for the Hawks, averaging 17 and 5 on 36% three-point shooting with his usual, solid rim protection. But like usual, his problem has been durability as he’s only been able to play in 17 games so far.
Those health concerns are what led to his trade out of Boston, and now they’re leading to him potentially being available again. His contract was clearly a disaster, but if he could suddenly be had for a minimum deal, that’s something that the Celtics, among others, would certainly have to consider.
Re-adding Porzingis to Celtics frontcourt would be massive addition
Boston has done an incredible job in the frontcourt, replacing KP, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet with two minimum contract players in Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. The results have been beyond belief so far, but if this team truly has championship aspirations this season, which they should, they could use an upgrade at the center position, or at least an alternative option.
As far as that goes, there couldn’t possibly be a better option than bringing back Porzingis. He already knows the system and the organization; he has plenty of familiarity with the Jays, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Joe Mazzulla, and others, plus he would offer a different style from what Queta and Garza are providing.
The floor spacing and shot blocking would be a huge boon for the Celtics, and having a true pick-and-pop weapon is exactly what they’ve been looking for. His lack of availability last season was extremely frustrating, but as part of a three-headed monster at center, with all three players making a minimum salary, it would be a lot more palatable.
This still feels like a long shot at best, but it’s something very interesting to consider. He’d be an ideal target, one who could become shockingly gettable. For a team that should be pondering every possible option to improve, this is definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on for Brad Stevens and company.