The Boston Celtics' roster is going to look much different once the 2025-26 season tips off, and that isn't just because we know Jayson Tatum won't be ready to go following his Achilles injury.
Kristaps Porzingis has seen his name included in trade rumors from the moment the Boston Celtics were eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs by the New York Knicks. The possibilities of him being shipped out of Boston have only increased as we move closer to the draft and the start of free agency.
He is far from the only current Celtics starter receiving the trade rumor treatment this summer, as cost-cutting moves will be made throughout the offseason to avoid historic levels of luxury tax penalties. Players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and even Jaylen Brown have been included in similar rumors.
Suns Reportedly a Potential Trade Partner for Celtics' Porzingis
The difference between Porzingis and the rest of his teammates at this stage of the offseason is that we now have reports on specific teams that may be interested in swinging a deal for the Latvian big man. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Phoenix Suns have "done some background work" on Porzingis.
The Phoenix Suns have been doing their homework on Kristaps Porziņģis, per @JakeLFischer
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2025
“I’ve also heard that Phoenix has done some background work on Kristaps Porziņģis with Boston known to be exploring its trade options up and down the roster. Sources say you can likewise… pic.twitter.com/fFUxSIn8ms
“I’ve also heard that Phoenix has done some background work on Kristaps Porziņģis with Boston known to be exploring its trade options up and down the roster. Sources say you can likewise add Phoenix to the list of teams that had been hoping to elbow its way into Myles Turner's free agency this summer.”
When he's been able to be on the floor consistently, Porzingis has been a difference-maker for the Celtics. His per-game averages of 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists back that up. The problem is that availability hasn't been his best ability since joining the franchise. In two seasons in Boston, Porzingis has only played in 99 of a possible 164 regular-season games. That isn't good enough when you're set to earn just north of $30 million during the 2025-26 campaign.
We'll find out soon enough whether it is Porzingis or the other high-priced veterans on the Celtics' roster who are moved this summer.