When the Boston Celtics sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, they created a $22.5 million traded player exception [TPE]. Having been down this road, some are probably rolling their eyes right now.
However, that TPE doesn't expire 'til Jul. 7, 2026. Boston may not dip into it this season while prioritizing gaining flexibility. But it could prove valuable next offseason. Jayson Tatum will be back in the fold, and the Celtics are aiming for an immediate return to title contention.
While they cannot aggregate traded player exceptions, the franchise can break this rather large one up into chunks to acquire multiple players. If there's an individual they like on a sizable deal that fits within that $22.5 million TPE, it could be the tool utilized to absorb that contract.
Yes, it is common to see these expire without use or put towards an underwhelming addition. However, it's still the early stages of a new and more punitive collective bargaining agreement [CBA]. A team could find itself focusing on gaining flexibility next summer, just as Boston is now.
Areas a TPE could help the Celtics address
To state it explicitly, a TPE is most attractive to the other party involved in a trade if that team is trying to shed as much salary as possible. The Celtics would have loved it if they found a suitor who could acquire Porzingis without sending them back salary.
Perhaps they'll have more luck in the search for a contract with a lesser value than the seven-foot-two center's $30.7 million deal. However, there's a good chance Boston will have to offer something attractive enough to pry its target. Then again, after an unwanted roster makeover, they could benefit from this new CBA next summer.
The Celtics could put that $22.5 million TPE towards upgrading their most glaring position of need. Their center-by-committee approach could see several options, most notably, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, step up.
It's conceivable that multiple members of that group blossom into long-term contributors. Still, entering the upcoming campaign, it would not be a surprising development if the team's starting center in 2026-27 is not currently on the roster.
Even if that traded player exception doesn't go towards acquiring a first-unit addition, it's realistic to believe it helps Boston bolster its rotation. Seeing the Celtics go another route to strengthen their starting five and using this TPE to fortify the bench is a reasonable outlook.
That could play a significant role in how the organization follows its north star to return to contending for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.