Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs (Image via Getty) The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 NBA championship, are making moves to reshape their roster—and Kristaps Porzingis has been the next domino to fall. If the franchise didn’t send him to the Atlanta Hawks, the Spurs were a solid target for the star. With the team focused on reducing salary and getting younger, the $60 million star had emerged as a trade candidate, with the San Antonio Spurs showing interest in pairing him with Victor Wembanyama.
Why the Boston Celtics Were Open to Trading Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis is entering the final year of his contract, set to earn $30.7 million in the 2024-25 season. The Boston Celtics, already active in the trade market, dealt Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons, signaling a shift toward youth and flexibility.
Key details on Kristaps Porzingis’ situation:
Kristaps Porzingis (Image via Getty)
– Contract status: 1 year, $30.7 million remaining – Performance in Boston: 19.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.7 BPG over 99 games – Injury history: Played 60+ games just once since 2017-18 As Zachary Weinberger of ClutchPoints reports, the Spurs are a potential landing spot, offering an intriguing frontcourt experiment alongside Wembanyama.
How Porzingis Fits with the Spurs
A Porzingis-Wembanyama duo would create one of the NBA’s most imposing defensive pairings. Both stand above 7’2”, combining elite rim protection with floor-spacing ability.
Potential benefits for San Antonio:
– Defensive dominance: Two elite shot-blockers could anchor the league’s top defense. – Offensive versatility: Porzingis’ three-point shooting (career 35.8%) complements Wembanyama’s evolving game. – Veteran presence: Porzingis’ playoff experience aids the Spurs’ young core. However, San Antonio also holds the No. 14 pick in the 2025 draft and may prefer developing a cheaper frontcourt option.
What’s Next for Boston and Kristaps Porzingis
Even if the Spurs pass, the Celtics are expected to gauge interest league-wide. As writer Joe Mayo of the Sporting News noted, Kristaps Porzingis was a key piece in Boston’s title run, but “the club is also reportedly open to moving on from [him]” as they prioritize financial flexibility. Possible outcomes: 1. Trade to Spurs: Immediate contender boost for San Antonio. 2. Alternative deal: Contenders like Memphis or OKC could pursue Porzingis. 3. Celtics retain him: A short-term gamble if market interest is weak.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers reportedly eyed $60 million ex-Boston Celtics superstar to bolster squad around LeBron James and Luka DoncicWith the draft and free agency approaching, Porzingis’ future with the Hawks will be a storyline to watch. However the Spurs would be a decent home for the ex-Celtics star.