Kristaps Porzingis has played just 99 regular-season games in his two seasons as a Celtic. In the playoffs, he has played in just 18 of 30 games and started in just 11 of those 18 games. He averaged just 23.5 minutes per game last postseason and was at just 21 minutes per game this postseason. Porzingis simply has not reliably been able to stay healthy on the court during his Celtics tenure.
During this postseason run, Porzingis dealt with a mysterious respiratory illness that prevented him from playing extended minutes. His efficiency nosedived as he shot just 34% EFG and 15% from three over 231 playoff minutes. His inability to contribute was a huge reason the Celtics lost to the Knicks in six games.
Celtics Will Likely Part Ways With Kristaps Porzingis This Offseason
With Jayson Tatum out all of next season with an Achilles injury, expect GM Brad Stevens to make moves to make this roster cheaper and younger. Porzingis is slated to make $31 million next season and could be an attractive target for any contending team looking to add talent. He is set to be a free agent next summer, and it is unlikely the Celtics could afford to keep him given their cap situation. Stevens will likely try and get back some sort of draft capital for Porzingis this summer.
Kristaps Porzingis will always be remembered as a champion with the Celtics and the initial trade to get him absolutely paid off for the C's, but it is time to move on from KP. The injury issues are severe, and with Jayson Tatum sidelined for all of next season, the Celtics shouldn't expect to compete for a title. Brad Stevens must get value back for Porzingis in the form of younger, more consistent players and or draft picks. His expiring contract should not be difficult to trade to a contending team looking to add a talented big.