The Boston Celtics are chasing their second consecutive title after the All-Star break. Even though they are second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, they continue to be the favorites (+175) to win it all on FanDuel Sportsbook.
Regardless of where the Celtics finish this season, they are headed towards a financial cliff, raising questions about how much longer they will be able to keep this core together. Next season, the Celtics are projected to have over $225 million in salary, the largest number in the league. This puts them $37 million over the tax threshold and gives the ownership a tax bill of over $250 million.
Perhaps the Celtics would be willing to be the most expensive NBA team of all-time if they win back-to-back championships. The most likely scenario, however, is for them to cut some salary to give them financial flexibility.
One of the first players who comes to mind as a potential cap casualty is Kristaps Porziņgis.
Upon his return from surgery to repair his retinaculum, Porzingis has been playing himself into form. He is playing 29 minutes per game and is averaging similar numbers to last season, putting up 19.4 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
While he is good when he is on the floor, he has missed over 20 games in each of his first two seasons in Boston. In fact, he hasn't played over 65 games since the 2016-17 season.
For a player scheduled to make $30.7 million next season, that is simply not enough.
The Celtics already proved that they could win a championship without Porzingis. While he admirably returned for the playoffs last season and contributed, the Celtics don't need him desperately.
Knowing GM Brad Stevens, he will almost certainly explore ways to replace Porzingis' production with cheaper options like Luke Kornet and Al Horford while getting significant assets in return in a potential trade.
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