A three-way trade involving the Celtics, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers that included forward/center Kristaps Porzingis being dealt to Boston fell through Wednesday night, according to a report by ESPN.
Washington is still trying to get Porzingis to the Celtics through an opt-in and trade scenario, though, per the report. Los Angeles will not be involved as the Wizards and Celtics try to get something worked out before midnight ET, the deadline of Porzingis’ $36 million player option.
The Athletic reported earlier Wednesday that the three teams were closing in on a deal that involved Porzingis to Boston and Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon relocating to L.A., with Clippers forward Marcus Morris and draft picks being offered to the Wizards. ESPN added that Los Angeles would send Amir Coffey to Washington, which would also receive Danilo Gallinari from Boston.
The Wizards are reportedly looking for a new home for point guard Chris Paul, who was acquired in the Bradley Beal trade from Phoenix earlier this week.
ESPN and Yahoo reported the Celtics were also kicking the tires on a trade for Suns center DeAndre Ayton.
After the two sides set the groundwork toward a four-year, $180 million extension in March, Washington reportedly re-engaged Porzingis about a new contract before the looming deadline for his 2023-24 player option. But the 7-foot-3 forward appears intent on testing free agency or being traded for the third time in his career. Porzingis, drafted by the Knicks, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019 and then acquired in February 2022 by the Wizards.
Porzingis, who turns 28 in August, averaged a career-high 23.2 points per game last season.
Brogdon exclusively played off the bench in Boston in 2022-23 and averaged 14.9 points and 3.7 assists per game.
The former Bucks and Pacers guard landing with the Clippers could chart the course for Paul and another veteran at the position — unrestricted free agent Russell Westbrook. Westbrook joined the Clippers following a contract buyout in Utah. The Jazz acquired Westbrook from the Lakers at the deadline.
Morris, 33, averaged 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game with the Clippers last season and is owed $17.1 million next season.
The 26-year-old Coffey averaged 3.4 points in 50 games (nine starts) last season, while Gallinari, 34, missed the entire 2022-23 campaign due to a torn ACL.
–Field Level Media