What could be the possible reasons for a championship-winning team to dismantle its core? One, players don’t want to continue with the team. Two, the franchise has found the perfect replacements. And three, finances. For the Boston Celtics, their taxes for the next season could be the biggest concern. This could leave the franchise with no other option than to break the dream team. Most importantly, two names, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, have been in the conversation. The bigger question is: whom should teams trade away?
Well, according to Jake Fischer, the Celtics are most likely to trade KP. Following the same trail of thoughts, Lou Williams and Chandler Parsons gave their verdict on Run It Back. So, why should the team keep Holiday and trade Porzingis?
Lou said: “With Jrue Holiday and what he brings to the defensive side of the basketball for this team, that’s a tangible thing. You just asked about something tangible we can put our hands on. Jrue Holiday is going to be one of those guys that you got to have in your lineup.” According to the ex-NBA star, Holiday’s defense is the greatest tangible asset for Joe Mazzulla’s squad. Therefore, he’s an important addition to the team. Also, “Kristaps Porzingis, with his injury history, with him being in and out of the lineup, that team just kept rolling. They just kept playing great basketball without him. So I think he’s an added piece, but he’s not necessarily a piece that they can’t move on without.”
The Celtics should trade Kristaps Porziņģis, not Jrue Holiday, if they must make moves to avoid luxury tax issues
“Kristaps Porziņģis was in and out of the lineup and the team kept rolling.” – @TeamLou23
“Jrue Holiday is a generational talent defensively.” – @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/7SdfAKdVHQ
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 1, 2025
Williams firmly believes Jrue Holiday is going to be one of those guys that the C’s absolutely got to keep in this lineup to be successful. At the same time, Chandler Parsons, who doesn’t particularly want the current Celtics team to split, also believes in Lou’s words. “I think the injury history and health of KP is a little concerning, and Jrue Holiday is a generational talent defensively. He’s one of those guys that just impact winning without having to score the ball,” Parsons chipped in. Well, speaking of injuries, KP’s biggest drawback has been these health troubles. It was one of the main reasons why the Dallas Mavericks traded him in 2022.
Meanwhile, Parsons also believes that when players like Jayson Tatum and JB are on the floor, then others don’t have to go scoring to an aggressive extent. However, he also added: “I do like Porzingis kind of stretching the floor, pick and pop for them.” Well, in all honesty, KP is an effective player on the floor. On most occasions, Mazzulla would need him for his playmaking capabilities. However, with an expiring $30.7 million salary for 2025-26, moving him could save the Celtics approximately $218 million in taxes.
Now, here comes a twist in the plot. Did you ever imagine that the Boston Celtics and Kevin Durant would be used in the same sentence? Well, not in a rival’s way, but more like a ‘We might consider him for our team’. Durant may finish his career in Phoenix or explore other options amid the Suns’ turmoil.
Amidst Kristaps Porzingis trade talks, is Boston considering Kevin Durant?
Nick Wright addressed this unique matter on First Things First. He said: “Two totally unrelated people, both of whom have reputations for knowing things that other people don’t know, have said to me: ‘Watch out for Durant in Boston.’” Watch out for KD, as his latest left ankle sprain could put him out of the league in the final phase. And the Celtics are interested in trading for him? “I don’t know even the pieces that it would work. And it feels a lot like what Durant got killed for with Golden State before, so it doesn’t make sense.”
Nick Wright says watch for Kevin Durant to Boston
“Two totally unrelated people, both of whom have reputations for knowing things that other people don’t know, have said to me watch out for Durant in Boston”
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 25, 2025
Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst reported on First Take that KD’s season might have just come to an abrupt end. “I think it’s really possible,” Windy said about Durant playing his last game of the season vs. the Rockets, followed by the sprain. It’s unpredictable what Durant’s reports are going to look like after a week. However, one thing is for sure: he’s not accompanying the Suns on their grueling road trip. But, bringing back the trade talks, Windy said: “I don’t know if he’s going to be able to stay with the Suns.”
Thus, the Celtics face a crossroads. Trading Kristaps Porzingis could ease their tax burden, but could it open the door for Kevin Durant? With KD’s future uncertain and Boston’s core under scrutiny, the whispers grow louder. Is a blockbuster move brewing, or is this just another wild NBA rumor? Time will tell.
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