NBA star Kristaps Porzingis took to Twitter after getting traded by the Washington Wizards to the Boston Celtics.
The 27-year-old All-Star first said goodbye to Washington.
“Saying goodbye is always tough,” Porzingis tweeted. “Wizards org, my teammates, staff, coaches, everyone at capital one and the facility thank you! Going to miss yall! Wiz Fans!! Thank you for showing me so much support, I truly appreciate it and enjoyed every night playing in front of you. Wishing you all success as I embark on the next chapter of my career.”
The Wizards traded Porzingis to the Celtics in a three-team deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Marcus Smart went from Boston to Memphis and Tyus Jones went from the Grizzlies to the Wizards.
After saying goodbye to the Wizards, Porzingis expressed his excitement about joining the Celtics.
Assuming the Celtics keep Jaylen Brown, Boston now has a Big 3 of Brown, Porzingis and Jayson Tatum. Brown can sign the supermax extension with the Celtics this offseason since he made an All-NBA team this past season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis & Boston Celtics Updates
Boston is expected to offer Brown the supermax extension.
Porzingis averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Wizards in 2022-23. He shot 49.8% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 85.1% from the free-throw line. KP has career averages of 19.6 points and 7.9 rebounds with the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Wizards.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis & Boston Celtics Updates
Gio Rivera of NESN thought Porzingis would be a “huge” upgrade over veteran forward Al Horford. Rivera got his wish.
“No, he’s not the same must-watch “unicorn” talent he once was in a New York Knicks jersey, but that isn’t what the Celtics would need,” Rivera wrote. “Porzingis is still an elite-level front-court threat with the ability to protect the glass and score, leading the Wizards in both points (23.2) and rebounds (8.4). Obviously, there’s the salary factor in place that won’t complicate this hypothetical trade target, but the 27-year-old would be a huge upgrade from the cement-footed Al Horford, who is far beyond his prime and got exposed for his age all throughout the playoffs.”
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Porzingis could sign a contract extension with the Celtics.
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