Boston Celtics rumors: Kristaps Porzingis trade both intriguing and crazy
Big trouble in Dallas could lead to an interesting trade possibility for the Boston Celtics this offseason.
According to Brad Botkin of CBS Sports, Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis is not too happy playing next to young phenom Luka Doncic and it appears the 7-foot-3 big man will be a chip the team uses to improve after being bounced in the first round of the NBA playoffs at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers.
In averaging 20.0 points and nine rebounds this season on 47-percent shooting, Porzingis had decent numbers in the regular season, but did disappear at times during the playoffs. Was it due to his frustration with Doncic?
In this excerpt from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, it appears the 25-year-old Porzingis, who was on the path to his own stardom when he ruled Madison Square Garden with the New York Knicks, was frustrated with being second fiddle:
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"“Then there are questions about the chemistry between Doncic and Porzingis. The Mavs’ franchise cornerstones admittedly aren’t friends, a distant dynamic that team owner Mark Cuban has compared to the early stages of the partnership between Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, which ultimately produced two NBA Finals appearances and a championship.”"
Simply put, these two young stars aren’t getting along and before the souring relationship implodes, its best to move on from Porzingis and find a player who can complement Doncic instead of competing with his fame.
Should the Boston Celtics entertain the idea of Porzingis?
This creates an interesting option new Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens as he looks to improve the team from the front office.
With the bad contract of Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart to dingle, Stevens could finally find that stretch five he loves to have on the floor. Even though he won’t be coaching, whoever he hires as a head coach would want a big who can both protect the rim on the defensive end and present matchup issues for opposing big men on the offensive side.
Porzingis can still be that man.
Boston Celtics could move Kemba Walker for Kristaps Porzingis
The Mavericks and Boston Celtics could help one another improve, which is why the C’s have the highest odds of acquiring Porzingis.
With Stevens and Boston looking to move on from the bad contract of Kemba Walker, a trade for Kristaps Porzingis actually works out for both squads both on the court and financially.
In Walker, Cuban’s team would have that scoring point guard they have been searching for who can distribute the ball to Doncic. He would also come with leadership and a determination to get his game back to an All-Star level.
As for Porzingis in Boston, sometimes a change of scenery can really help a talented, young player. But can Porzingis go from a Doncic sidekick to the third player in rank behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?
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If he wants to get back to stardom in this league, he will have to adjust to playing with other great players. Adjustment in both his role and his attitude.
An interesting option indeed, but it would be a risky one for Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics.