The Boston Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards in a three-team trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although Boston had to part ways with Marcus Smart, the team did trade for a player who leads the NBA in active games with three-plus 3-pointers and three-plus blocks, per StatMuse.
Porzingis averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks 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. The All-Star forward has career averages of 19.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 blocks with the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Wizards.
The Celtics and Porzingis are expected to finalize a two-year, $60 million extension, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT. Assuming Boston keeps Jaylen Brown, the Cs now have a Big 3 of Brown, Porzingis and Jayson Tatum.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis & Boston Celtics Updates
Brown can sign the supermax extension with the Celtics this offseason since he made an All-NBA team this past season. Boston is expected to offer the small forward the supermax extension.
The Utah Jazz were going to pursue Porzingis had he hit unrestricted free agency. However, Porzingis wanted to land with the Celtics, who are title contenders. Boston reached the 2022 NBA Finals and got to the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.
The Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games after losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games in the 2022 Finals. It will be fascinating to see how Porzingis, Brown and Tatum play together next season under second-year head coach Joe Mazzulla.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis & Boston Celtics Updates
There should be more driving lanes for Tatum and Brown next season since Porzingis can space the floor with his shooting. When Porzingis goes beyond the 3-point line, he will bring his defender with him, which will create more room in the paint for Tatum and Brown.
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