Even before the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Boston Celtics were expected to slash their salary in an effort to get under the second apron. After Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles, the Celtics got to work gutting payroll.
Luke Kornet and Al Horford left in free agency. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded. Boston is in a much better place financially and has all season and next summer to prepare for another title run once Tatum recovers.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are more than capable of stepping up to replace Holiday. However, losing two floor-spacing centers will be hard to digest.
Recently, the Celtics were linked to one of the best big-man shooters in the entire league in an effort to reestablish themselves as title frontrunners.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 05: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz during the first quarter at TD Garden on January 05, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
NBA Trade Rumors Link Lauri Markkanen to Celtics
Since joining the Utah Jazz in 2022, Lauri Markkanen has averaged 23 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 “stocks” while shooting 38% from deep. He is a better scorer than either Porzingis or Horford, and he can play on or off-ball. He is not the best defender, especially down low, although he is adequate, standing at an even seven feet.
If White, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown step up on defense, Markkanen’s weaknesses can certainly be masked. While getting him to Boston would be tough, the fit is apparent.
“Markannen, for the Celtics, their interest is that he replaces Porzingis next year,” explained Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix during a video appearance. “Now, all of a sudden, you’ve got the Porzingis replacement. You’ve got Jaylen back, you’ve got Jayson back, you’ve got all the group back. I can talk myself into the Celtics.”
With Tatum out for an extended time, the Celtics are not in the playoff race this season. As soon as he comes back, however, Boston is expected to pick up right where they left off.
“Every decision that the Celtics make has to be for the 2026-27 season,” Mannix added.
Celtics Will Have Trouble Adding Markkanen
This season, Markkanen is owed $46.4 million. In 2028-29, the last season of his contract, he will make $53.5 million.
As the NBA salary cap goes up, his percentage of the total cap used actually goes down, so adding him gets easier for Boston as more time passes. However, the Celtics have Brown, Tatum, and White signed to significant contracts.
Next summer, Anfernee Simmons is off the books, although his $27.6 million salary is the only major one coming off the payroll. In order for Boston to absorb Markkanen, they would have to get a third team involved somehow.
Boston can trade two first-round picks and can swap a few more. They don’t have a ton in the way of young talent to sweeten the pot. Once Simmons is off the books, expect the Celtics to explore adding a center in free agency.
John Collins, Robert Williams III, Mitchell Robinson, and Nick Richards headline the free agent class down low. Porzingis will also be an unrestricted free agent. Re-signing him away from the Atlanta Hawks seems more likely than the Celtics pulling off a blockbuster trade.
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