Celtics Suggested as Trade Destination for 3-Time All-Star Big Man

 

Here’s a 900‑word deep dive on recent trade chatter linking the Boston Celtics to a three‑time All‑Star big man, though the evidence suggests it’s likely referring to Kristaps Porziņģis, a player with five All‑Star appearances, central to multiple proposed deals. We’ll break down the background, Celtics’ motivation, trade proposals, and realism.

⚙️ Who is this “three‑time All‑Star big man”?

There’s no credible trade rumor involving a big man with exactly three All‑Star appearances being linked with the Celtics. However, Kristaps Porziņģis—a five‑time All‑Star—is widely speculated to be Boston’s biggest trade piece this offseason. His frequent appearances in roster-adjustment proposals likely explain the confusion.

🚨 Why Porziņģis Is the Focal Point

Porziņģis recently became the centerpiece of a three‑team blockbuster with Atlanta and Brooklyn. The Hawks acquired him, while Boston received Georges Niang and a future second-round pick. His size, 3‑point shooting, and potential defensive impact make him a coveted trade asset, albeit one with a concerning injury history and $30+ million expiring contract.

Porziņģis fits the mold of a high-profile All‑Star big. And speculation has circulated that the Celtics could use him as trade currency to pursue other frontcourt reinforcements or clear salary cap space.

🧾 Three Trade Proposals Involving Porziņģis

1.

Three‑Team Deal: Porziņģis → Hawks

• Celtics receive: Georges Niang + second-round pick
• Hawks receive: Kristaps Porziņģis
• Nets receive: Terance Mann + Hawks’ pick
  This trade nets Boston cap relief and draft capital while unloading Porziņģis’s large salary.

2.

Proposal: Porziņģis → Hawks / Brown + Holiday → Rockets

• Boston sheds both Porziņģis and Jaylen Brown
• In return, they receive multiple picks and young players like Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Dominick Barlow, Terance Mann, and future draft assets from Houston/Atlanta.
  It represents an aggressive retool toward youth.

3.

Alternative within the Rockets Caverns

In a simpler version, Boston trades Jaylen Brown + Jrue Holiday for Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and the No. 10 pick.

While not featuring Porziņģis directly, it stems from the same logic of shedding salaries and rebalancing around future assets.

🔎 Is Porziņģis the “Three‑Time All‑Star”?

While Porziņģis is actually a five-time All-Star, many rumors may simplify or misstate his credentialing—leading to this “three-time” description. No other big man is consistently tied to Boston in trade murmurs, and none match all-star credentials unless misremembered:

• Andre Drummond is a two‑time All-Star and has been floated as a target in earlier offseason speculation.
• Walker Kessler has zip all-star appearances, though he is a projected target.
• Isaiah Stewart is young, but not an All-Star so far.

Thus, the realistic interpretation is Porziņģis is being referenced—merely miscounted.

🎯 Celtics’ Rationale Behind These Trade Talks

1.

Financial Flexibility

Boston is currently over the NBA’s second luxury tax apron, which restricts their ability to sign or trade freely. Moving Porziņģis’s $30+ million contract frees up substantial cap room and draft flexibility.

2.

Response to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles Injury

With Tatum expected to miss the 2025‑26 season, the Celtics are considering a short‑term pivot. Shedding salary and restocking via picks and young talent helps stabilize the franchise until their superstar returns.

3.

Asset Accumulation Over Status Quo

Trading expensive veterans—even productive ones—gives Boston a way forward: multiple first-round picks, lower-salary young players, and cap flexibility with which to rebuild or pivot strategically.

✅ Is a Trade Likely?

• Porziņģis appears to be moving, as recent reporting confirms finalization of the three‑team trade involving Atlanta.
• Even though some speculation suggests he’s still available, multiple independent outlets report the deal is primarily done.
• The Celtics seem intent on moving big contracts—Porziņģis, Holiday, perhaps Simons—to reset their salary sheet for now and the future.

🤔 What Should Boston Do Next?

If constructing a roadmap post-Porziņģis:

Potential Big Man Targets

Andre Drummond: A two‑time All-Star offering rebounding and rim protection, previously floated as a target.

Walker Kessler: A young shot-blocking center from Utah, averaging 11 points, 11 boards, and 2.5 blocks in 30 MPG—makes sense if the Celtics want more defensive stability.

Improving via Draft or Internal Options: With multiple picks in tow, Boston could take a developing prospect or use draft capital in further trades.

📌 Summary Table

Topic	Key Points
Misstated “3× All-Star”	Likely Kristaps Porziņģis (5×), rumors miscount
Actual target	Porziņģis frequently linked and involved in trades
Primary trade outlined	Three‑team deal with Atlanta & Brooklyn – Celtics get Niang + pick
Why Boston is trading	Cap relief, tax avoidance, rebuilding amid Tatum injury
Who they could pursue	Drummond, Kessler, or young talents via draft

🧭 Final Assessment

Yes, Boston has been at the center of multiple trade proposals involving Kristaps Porziņģis, a multi-time All-Star big man.

Though the question misquotes his All-Star count, the substance holds: Porziņģis is the most plausible “star big man” tied to the Celtics.

With the trade now reportedly sealed with Atlanta, Boston’s next steps include reinvesting in cap flexibility, youth, and internal development.

Let me know if you’d like breakdowns of specific proposed packages, the potential for Boston to target someone like Drummond or Kessler, or how this sets them up for next summer’s free agency and draft.