Could the Boston Celtics swing a deal for Kristaps Porzingis?

With the NBA Draft less than 24 hours away, the Boston Celtics appear to be in a prime position to acquire forward Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks.

The Boston Celtics have already made one trade involving draft picks, but another could be on the table tonight.

Adrian Wojnarowski has reported on his live pre-draft show that the Knicks are looking for a trade for star forward Kristaps Porzingis that will net them a pick they can use to draft Kansas forward Josh Jackson along with an established starter.

After moving back from the first pick to the third, the Celtics have found themselves with a number of different approaches. They could either use the pick themselves on Jackson or Duke forward Jayson Tatum or they could attempt a trade for another star player, like Porzingis.

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Porzingis averaged 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his second season with the Knicks. He shot 45% overall, including 35.7% from three as a 7’3″ forward. Porzingis is only 21 years old and is likely going to get even better than he was last season as he ages and adds muscle to his frame. He was disillusioned with the Knicks leadership after this past season and skipped his exit meeting with team management.

Who to offer for Porzingis?

With Porzingis on the table, the Celtics appear to be the team with the best assets available to put together package that Knicks president Phil Jackson is happy with. The Knicks would definitely get Jackson with the third overall pick, since the first two picks are all but locked in to be Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball.

The Celtics also have a bevy of starting caliber players they can send to New York. With Jaylen Brown improving everyday and Gordon Hayward being the team’s primary free agent target, the Celtics have the flexibility to dangle Jae Crowder in the deal, with Avery Bradley or Marcus Smart joining him. Jackson has had interest in Crowder over the past couple of years, so the Celtics could satisfy his wishes for multiple players in one deal.

Bradley is undoubtedly a core piece of the Celtics team, but he is going to be a free agent after the upcoming season and the Celtics could cash in on his value now before either paying him a max contract or letting him walk for nothing.

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Smart could be a good piece for whatever Jackson wants the Knicks’ future to be. He and Josh Jackson are both competitive, intense players with decent scoring abilities and tough play on defense.

Assets galore

In addition, the Celtics may have to add their own 2018 first round pick to the deal. That may entice the Knicks to include their first round pick this year along with Porzingis, allowing the Boston Celtics to still get an excellent player like Dennis Smith, Jr. or Malik Monk.

If the Knicks are really serious about moving their star forward for a chance to start over in a new draft, the Celtics are the perfect trade partner. A package of the third overall pick, Crowder, one of Smart or Bradley, and their 2018 first rounder should be enough to acquire Porzingis and the eighth overall pick.

New York is unlikely to get a better deal from the Phoenix Suns, who hold the fourth overall pick, or the Los Angeles Lakers, who are ready to start fresh with Lonzo Ball at point.

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Whatever happens in the next twenty hours will be exciting, even if no moves are made. The Celtics will officially be on the clock soon enough and should pounce before the Knicks come to their senses and hold onto Porzingis.