As the NBA offseason approaches, the Boston Celtics face intriguing decisions regarding Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, two key contributors to their 2024 championship run.
With both uniquely-skilled players potentially on the trade block this summer, their market value will be shaped by their contracts, recent performance, age, and injury history, as outlined by Spotrac’s Keith Smith in an informative X post on Thursday.
Smith noted that Porzingis’ expiring $30.7 million contract for the 2025-26 season makes KP a significant asset.
“Because he’s on an expiring deal, that has value in and of itself,” Smith wrote.
“Expiring deals are valuable again for teams looking to clear long-term money. He's also productive when he plays. If you need a (center) and can cover for his absences, he's a good fit.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or rebuilding franchises with cap flexibility might see Porzingis as a short-term boost or a trade chip to shed long-term salaries, but his injury concerns probably cap his return to mid-level draft picks or a rotation player (not a star).
Holiday, 34, carries a different profile. His contract, with $32.4 million due in 2025-26, raises concerns due to his age, but his versatility remains enticing.
Smith described suitors for Holiday as, “Basically any team that needs a guard who can flex his usage up and down as necessary, while being a plus defender 1-4 (and even small 5s). The contract and age are concerns, but if you are trying to win now, Holiday could be a fit.”
Holiday’s trade value might yield a quality role player or a late first-round pick.
“Boston won’t get an incredible return on either, because of contract, age or injury concerns, but they won’t have to give up assets to move them either,” Smith wrote.
Celtics GM Brad Stevens could ultimately move either player, targeting younger talent or cap relief in exchange, or choose to keep the roster intact.
While neither Porzingis nor Holiday will command a blockbuster deal, their unique attributes ensure Boston can find trade partners willing to play ball.
More NBA: Nuggets predicted to pair Nikola Jokić with 'alpha scorer' in blockbuster deal