One of the Eastern Conferences’ very best teams is reportedly targeting a trade for Washington Wizards star Kristaps Porzingis as part of a blockbuster three-team deal.
In just a matter of days, the Washington Wizards have gone from a team hoping that they can make the playoffs in 2024 to one that seems in the midst of a complete sell-off and rebuild.
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It all started when rumblings began that the team was seriously considering a trade for team great Bradley Beal. That rumor became a reality when they actually pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal that sent the three-time All-Star to the Phoenix Suns.
The Beal domino fell when it became clear to the Washington Wizards organization that retaining both Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis this summer might be difficult. Since both have the chance to opt out of their contracts and were expected to do so. While Kristaps Porzingis has not yet officially opted out, Kuzma made the rumors true when he exercised his opt-out on Tuesday.
Kristaps Porzingis rumored to be on the move to Boston Celtics
Well, it seems that in an effort to try and get a return instead of losing Porzingis for nothing in a bidding war in NBA free agency, the team has reportedly started “strong talks” about a blockbuster deal with a pair of top teams in the league.
- Kristaps Porzingis stats (’22-’23): 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 39% 3PT
On Wednesday, NBA insider Shams Charania first reported that the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards have started discussions on the framework of a potential deal that would see Kristaps Porzingis opt into the final year of his current contract for $36 million and head to Beantown.
In a follow-up tweet Charania added that the Los Angeles Clippers would also be a part of the deal and it would see Kristaps Porzingis go to Boston, Marcus Morris and draft compensation go from LA to Washington, and star sixth-man Malcolm Brogdon headed to the Clippers.
- Celtics get: Kristaps Porzingis
- Wizards get: Marcus Morris and draft assets
- Clippers get: Malcolm Brogdon
The deal makes sense for each team. The Celtics get another scorer and the needed front-court threat that can also space the floor. The Wizards shed more salary and get long-term assets they weren’t planning to have, while the Clippers get a talented point guard for the starting five or the bench that they also need.