Celtics working to acquire Wizards' Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics, LA Clippers, and Washington Wizards are currently engaged in discussions for a three-team trade, as reported by Adrian Wojnarowski. The potential trade would involve the Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, the Clippers acquiring Malcolm Brogdon, and players being exchanged among the teams. However, there are still unresolved matters that need to be addressed before finalizing the deal.
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| Kristaps Porzingis |
According to the proposed framework, Kristaps Porzingis would opt into his $36 million contract for the 2023-24 season and move from Washington to Boston. Malcolm Brogdon would go from Boston to the Clippers, while the Wizards would receive Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, and the 30th pick in this year's NBA draft from the Clippers. Additionally, the Wizards would acquire Danilo Gallinari from Boston as part of the trade.
Kristaps Porzingis, who will turn 28 on August 2, had an exceptional season with the Wizards, averaging a career-high 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 65 games. He joined the Wizards at the 2022 trade deadline after the team traded Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans to the Dallas Mavericks for his services.
There is a possibility that Porzingis could now be headed to Boston as the Celtics aim to restructure their roster in their pursuit of an 18th NBA championship in the upcoming season. Alongside the potential acquisition of Porzingis, Boston is also considering offering a five-year, $295 million contract extension to their All-Star forward, Jaylen Brown, this summer. The Celtics also need to make decisions regarding the future of restricted free agent forward Grant Williams.
Malcolm Brogdon, 30 years old, won the Sixth Man of the Year award last season for the Celtics. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 67 games, primarily coming off the bench. Brogdon had previously started every game he played in the previous four seasons split between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers.
Brogdon's addition would provide the Clippers with a similar offensive boost in exchange for the final pick in the first round of this year's draft, an expiring contract in Marcus Morris, and a young wing player in Amir Coffey.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of their new president of basketball operations, Michael Winger, the Wizards continue their efforts to revamp the roster. They recently made a blockbuster trade, sending Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, several second-round picks, and first-round pick swaps.
Sources have revealed that Washington forward Kyle Kuzma, who is considered an intriguing free agent this summer, has declined his player option and will now become an unrestricted free agent.
