Boston Celtics Form NBA’s Newest Big 3 With Kristaps Porzingis Blockbuster Trade

• The Boston Celtics are finalizing a trade to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards
• Porzingis would have to opt into his $36 million player option for the deal to push through
• The Celtics wanted to shore up their lineup after a disappointing playoff loss to the Heat

The Boston Celtics did not wait for the NBA Draft to make a significant move.

They are closing in on a blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies that would send Kristaps Porzingis to Beantown.

The Celtics would move guard, Marcus Smart, to the Grizzlies in the proposed trade.

Tyus Jones traded to Washington

The deal would also see Grizzlies guard, Tyus Jones, move to Washington, per ESPN. Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala will also be moving to the Wizards in the three-team trade.

Sources told Adrian Wojnarowski that Memphis is sending the No. 25 pick in Thursday night's draft and a 2024 first-round pick to Boston as part of the deal.

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For the deal to be finalized, Porzingis must opt into his $36 million player option for next season.

Why does Boston want Porzingis?

There is a greater sense of urgency from the Celtics, who fell short in their bid to win the championship last season.

They came close to recording a historic comeback from 3-0 down against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals but suffered a humiliating defeat in Game 7.

Jayson Tatum got injured in the opening seconds of that winner-take-all contest, and the Celtics struggled for the rest of the game as a result.

Jaylen Brown tried to carry the scoring cudgels for the Celtics but failed, scoring just 19 points and recording a career-high eight turnovers in the series decider, per Bleacher Report.

The Celtics’ loss showed them the need to add another scoring option to the lineup. The addition of Porzingis will help Boston address this specific issue.

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The Latvian star is coming off a solid season with the Wizards, averaging 23.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. He also proved his durability last campaign, playing 65 games for Washington, his most since the 2016-17 season.

Boston adds shooting big man

Porzingis fits the Celtics’ system as he is a big man who can shoot the basketball. He attempted an average of 5.5 3-pointers per game last season and knocked down 38.5% of them.

Adding Porzingis would also help Boston shore up its front line. Al Horford isn’t getting any younger, Robert Williams has had injury concerns the past several seasons, and Grant Williams is testing free agency this offseason.

Kuzma becomes a free agent

Sports Brief recently reported on Kyle Kuzma becoming a free agent during the offseason.

He reportedly declined his $13 million player option with the Wizards for the 2023/24 season.

Kuzma averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for the Wizards last campaign.