Trading Kristaps Porzingis is both impossible and unwanted for the Celtics

Trade chatter involving Kristaps Porzingis is popping up far too often these days. And it makes no sense. The Boston Celtics have no interest in sending away a player whose emotional boosts lifted the team in the Finals - particularly in Game 1 and Game 2, but in the Game 5 clincher as well - and who's fit next to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday couldn't be more perfect.

But the chatter persists, and several things are becoming clear: Boston's front office doesn't want to trade him, and the potential trade returns being pitched are far below market value. So far below that Brad Stevens would likely hang up the phone before the other GM could finish his pitch.

Kristaps Porzingis has low trade value relative to his importance to the Boston Celtics

Take, for instance, this suggestion for the Houston Rockets to go all in on a Porzingis deal, written by Kade Kimble of Houston Rockets On SI.

"Of course, the Rockets would have to spend quite a bit to land the star big man," Kimble wrote. "Dillon Brooks and additional salary filler seem like a solid choice. His perimeter defense and floor-spacing, combined with his suitable salary makes him a strong selection. Young talent and draft capital would have to follow, using the trade to give the Celtics more long-term flexibility."

Dillon Brooks? Talk about a potentially chemistry-killing move for this Celtics core. There isn't a smooth fit for Brooks in the wing-heavy starting lineup, and there probably isn't even a spot for him over Sam Hauser in the second unit.

That's the kind of contract other teams would be willing to give up for Porzingis, though, which is to say, they're not willing to give up much.

That leaves Porzingis in no man's land on the trade market, which is fine. The Celtics aren't exactly advertising him on it anyway, knowing full well his injury history and current extended absence robs his contract of much trade value.

So, don't believe anything you hear about a Porzingis deal. If anything, the final year of his contract, (the 2025-26 season) would be the time to start wrapping your head around a potential trade involving anyone in Boston's core.