NBA Execs Reportedly Feel Celtics Must Include Draft Picks in Kristaps Porzingis Trade

The Boston Celtics may have to deal some future assets to gain some cap relief.

Evan Sidery of Forbes reported that executives around the league believe the Celtics will need to include draft capital if they intend to deal away center Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis is set to make $30.7 million in 2025-26 and is set to hit unrestricted free agency after next season. The 29-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 42 games in 2024-25 and helped the Celtics go 61-21 and earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

While he has been productive when on the court, the Celtics are currently over the second apron and stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are set to see their salaries increase.

With that in mind, dealing Porzingis to save some room could allow the team to avoid a more substantial trade and keep the nucleus together for a bit longer. As the front office looks to do that, rival executives will likely look to capitalize on the situation and add a strong player and some future picks.