Latest news with #KristapsPorzingis
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Why This 2024 Play-In Team Could Win The Eastern Conference In 2025
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates late in the fourth ... More quarter of the quarterfinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden on December 11, 2024 in New York City. The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 108-100 to advance to the semifinal round. 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) Getty Images While the Indiana Pacers were the most entertaining storyline of the 2025 playoffs, the Eastern Conference proved to be more competitive than most analysts had assumed it would be. With the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics seemingly entering the postseason on a tier above the rest of the field, it was difficult to assume the Easter Conference Finals would be anything other than chalk. Instead, the Pacers and New York Knicks ended their Finals aspirations. For Cleveland, their second-round exit in just five games left them questioning a roster that won 64 games in the regular season. For Boston, who even if the season still ended at the hands of New York, would have likely brought back Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and other names now rumored in trade packages if it was not for the torn Achilles suffered by Jayson Tatum. Even New York, who had as deep of a playoff run as they have had in the past 25 years , are still looking for a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau. And, as the world saw in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the storybook run for the Pacers ended in a non-storybook finale, with Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles costing him all of next season. Whether injury-based or self-inflicted, the top four seeds in this past year's playoffs may have drastic changes to their roster and results next year, opening the door for any team in the East. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this could be even more reason to not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, two young teams led by up-and-coming stars, it may be more reason to invest in their current roster and become a threat this year. But up to this point of the offseason, no team has benefited more and improved their roster for next year than the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have been trapped in .500 purgatory since 2021 when they fell in the Conference Finals to the Bucks. Since then, they have failed to win a playoff round, and have yet to reach the postseason since 2023. Outside of their defensive woes, which would have plagued them if they had made another deep playoff run in this span, the Hawks have struggled to find a secondary scorer to assist Trae Young. The attempts of John Collins, Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic, or De'Andre Hunter were never enough to turn Atlanta into a 50-win team. Even though Hunter may not deserve to be looped into this group, as he only experienced half a season receiving the second-most touches on the team, former General Manager Landry Fields saw Jalen Johnson as a better fit for this role than Hunter. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks makes the slam dunk and ... More fouled by Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Arena on March 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. 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) Getty Images After averaging a double-double in just year two as a starter, Johnson has already begun justifying his five-year, $150 million extension signed in October. Alongside the addition of Johnson's efficient scoring was Dyson Daniels's unexpected debut with the Hawks. After two years in New Orleans, the 21-year-old jumped his per-game numbers in just about every category . At 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per game, Daniels won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award alongside his 1st Team All-NBA honor. Trae Young had a season we have come to expect from the Oklahoma alum, averaging 24.2 points on 34% shooting and 11.6 assists a game. However, these numbers were not enough to lead the team in Win Shares, as that honor went to none other than Onyeka Okongwu, who made the most of his career-high season total of games started and minutes per game. Averaging 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and almost block and steal per game, Head Coach Quin Snyder seemed to begin the passing of the torch process from Clint Capela, who is set to become a free agent after the 2025-26 season. Whether Capela will remain in Atlanta for his final season is yet to be decided, as their first offseason move included bringing in a big man making $30 million on an expiring contract. In the pre-draft fire sale for the Celtics, the Hawks capitalized on their available cap space by bringing in Kristaps Porzingis on a three-team deal. As it stands today , the Hawks still reside under the 1st and 2nd apron thresholds, so there is not a contractual need to trade Capela. However, with him now falling to third on the center's depth chart, there may no longer be a role for the former first-round pick. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the ... More second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 15, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 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) Getty Images Especially considering the brand of basketball Atlanta plays when at their best, which capitalizes on faster tempo at the potential expense of more defensive breakdowns. With this young core developing in Atlanta, which this article has yet to mention both forwards Zaccharie Risacher (who started 73 games his rookie year), and their most recent draft selection Asa Newell will both be utilized in their high-paced offense. While these moves may not even allow the Hawks to crack the top-15 in terms of defensive efficiency, the addition of these forwards to add rim protectors to Daniels and Johnson's perimeter abilities could show drastic improvements for the Hawks in 2025. So, do not be surprised if the Hawks finish the offseason as one of the most active teams, especially in an Eastern Conference that will likely be without its typical playoff competition.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Potential Trade Deals For Jaylen Brown That Could Happen Soon, Including Nets And Spurs
Potential Trade Deals For Jaylen Brown That Could Happen Soon, Including Nets And Spurs originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The trade market is abuzz in the offseason, as major trades set up the landscape for what's to come. Amidst the trade rumors that are gathering attention, those associated with Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown also appear to be heating up. Advertisement The Celtics have found themselves in a very conflicting position ahead of the new season. After relishing in the glory of title success in 2024, Boston found itself in a rather difficult spot this year. With salary cap issues plaguing the franchise, the C's were forced to make some tough calls to remain under the second luxury tax apron. After trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics are a mere shadow of the team they were only a year ago. And unfortunately, this process of shedding salary is far from over. To offload more contracts, Boston has made their superstar Jaylen Brown available in trade talks, and teams around the league have shown an interest. League-wide interest in Brown is expected to heat up ahead of the NBA draft, with ESPN's Shams Charania even claiming that a deal could be struck in the next 24 hours. With this sense of urgency in mind, we take a look at some potential trade deals for the Celtics star that could provide a change of scenery. San Antonio Spurs A deal with the San Antonio Spurs is absolutely on the cards for the Celtics. A rumor linking Brown to the Spurs saw a lot of traction, particularly because of what San Antonio could offer in exchange for Boston's star. Advertisement With valuable assets in hand, the Spurs are a viable trading spot for virtually any team. But for the Celtics, they may be the solution to structuring their rebuild. Proposed Trade Details Boston Celtics Receive: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 No. 2 overall pick, 2027 first-round pick San Antonio Spurs Receive: Jaylen Brown Although the Celtics would be inclined to ask for Stephon Castle as well, it would be unlikely given the sheer quality of talent and the high-value draft capital they would be receiving. The addition of Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan could be immensely beneficial for a rebuilding team like Boston. Vassell has shown an innate ability to be an offensive threat. His averages of 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists don't necessarily reflect this, but in a system with more playing time, the 24-year-old could be a significant contributor. Advertisement Sochan has shown a lot of upside as a defensive entity and rebounding presence. Although his offensive capability is raw, he has shown some development, averaging 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds. At only 21 years old, Sochan has a lot of scope for improvement as well. In addition to this, the Celtics also acquire a solid veteran in Harrison Barnes to fill out their bench. Although Barnes' averages of 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game were underwhelming, he is an expiring contract next season, thus making him a valuable acquisition for the team. The real winner for Boston in this deal is the draft assets, particularly the No. 2 overall pick from this year's draft. With Dylan Harper being viewed as the second pick by many draft experts, the Celtics would do well by selecting the young guard to help structure their rebuild in the absence of Jayson Tatum next season. Meanwhile, this deal is transformative for the Spurs. The addition of Brown in their starting rotation immediately turns San Antonio into title contenders. A backcourt consisting of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Brown is a potential matchup nightmare for any opposing team. Advertisement Brown's averages of 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game from last season may be subject to some changes in a different system. Potentially becoming the primary scoring option may also have a major impact on the output of the 28-year-old guard, who is in the prime of his career. Brooklyn Nets The Brooklyn Nets could be an interesting trading spot for the Boston Celtics. Although the Nets weren't seen as a viable trading spot in the earlier segments of the offseason, their recent trade moves have seen them earn five critical first-round picks in this year's draft. This could be of massive interest for the Celtics, who need draft capital. Potential Trade Details Boston Celtics Brown: No. 8 overall pick, No. 14 overall pick, No. 27 overall pick, Cameron Johnson Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jaylen Brown Previous trade proposals for Brown had presented a positive structure for the Nets to trade for him. But the Nets' recent acquisition of first-round draft picks has given the team more power to negotiate with the Celtics. Advertisement Boston would be quite interested in the newly acquired first-rounders from Brooklyn. With the No. 8 pick already having a lot of value, the addition of the No. 14 and No. 27 picks will be huge for the Celtics' rebuilding efforts. Meanwhile, Boston would also acquire a capable forward in Cameron Johnson. The 29-year-old is one of the premier three-and-D players in the NBA, but his game is far more versatile than this. Johnson could bring massive upside to the Celtics. His averages of 18.8 points and 4.3 rebounds on shooting splits of 47.5% from the field and 39.0% from beyond the arc are a testament to this fact. The addition of Brown to Brooklyn's roster also has major implications. Brown's cap hit of $53.1 million has virtually no impact on Brooklyn's salary cap. With roughly $80 million to work with after acquiring Brown, the Nets will have enough leeway to re-sign key players and explore trades to add stars. Brown's arrival also makes the Nets an attractive destination for other stars to partner up with the guard. With this approach, Brooklyn could effectively look to become a title contender in due time. Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets already caused tremors around the league by acquiring Kevin Durant. While this trade effectively turned the Rockets into one of the most formidable teams in the West, Houston is still likely to make more moves. Advertisement A move for Jaylen Brown would be massive, but it will require the Rockets to sacrifice a lot of young talent as well. Proposed Trade Details Boston Celtics Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 second-round pick (BOS) Houston Rockets Receive: Jaylen Brown In a series of deals that would practically turn Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. into Brown and Durant, the Rockets would immediately turn into title contenders. The sheer offensive capability of this team is unfathomable. The superstar pairing of Durant and Brown, as mesmerizing, would be under a lot of pressure to win the NBA title. Given their No. 2 seeding last season, Houston would do well to improve upon this to establish their place at the top of the West. Advertisement This deal is beneficial for the Celtics as well. The addition of Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore is solid. Smith has shown immense scope for development as a versatile big. His averages of 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds on 43.8% shooting from the field are respectable enough. With more freedom on offense, he could be more productive. Similarly, Whitmore has showcased his abilities as a flat-out scorer. In a system that would give him more minutes to shine, there is enough reason to believe the forward would be more effective, while improving upon his averages of 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. The Celtics will see real value out of the draft assets in this deal. The first-rounders in this deal will be particularly valuable to their rebuilding efforts. The Celtics May Regret Trading Jaylen Brown The situation is undoubtedly unfortunate for Boston. Jaylen Brown has been one of the team's most essential pieces, especially considering that he was named Finals MVP after their successful campaign in 2024. Advertisement After signing both him and Tatum to massive contract extensions, the franchise pushed themselves into a corner. Their problems with the second apron were an inevitability in this regard. While there is no doubt that Boston would rather retain Brown, the team would need to get very creative to find a way to get under the luxury tax without trading him. Related: 9 Blockbuster Trades That Could Happen On 2025 NBA Draft Night This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who is the odd man out when it comes to the Boston Celtics clearing more cap space?
The Boston Celtics are not trading Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, so who is the odd man out when it comes to clearing more cap space? The Celtics front office has been cutting salary by trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis from the team's 2024 title core as they seek to get ahead of the second apron restrictions on team building and a potentially historic tax bill. Now under that second apron, we are hearing rumbles that Boston is not yet done making moves, presumably to sign veteran big men Al Horford and Luke Kornet back to the team out of free agency. So which players under team control could soon see themselves calling another city home? Advertisement The folks behind the "WEEI Boston's Sports Original" YouTube channel put together a clip from their "Jones and Keefe" show to talk over which of the players still on the team (or recently added to it) might be on the move for some cap relief. Check it out below! This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Who is the odd man out when it comes to Celtics clearing more cap?
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtics rumors: The 7-footer who ‘makes sense' at No. 32
The post Celtics rumors: The 7-footer who 'makes sense' at No. 32 appeared first on ClutchPoints. Barring a trade, the Boston Celtics will be the second team to make their pick on day two of the 2025 NBA Draft. After trading center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the week, many see Stanford big man Maxime Raynaud as a strong fit for the team at No. 32. Advertisement Raynaud, 22, is one of the most interesting prospects of the draft, as an older French native who did not break out until his junior year. However, his size and experience make him a perfect fit for the center-needy Celtics, according to ESPN's Jonathan Giovany. 'Maxime Raynaud to the Celtics at No. 32 makes sense as an older, seven-foot prospect who can space the floor and potentially be ready to soak up minutes after the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks,' Giovany wrote. 'With Luke Kornet entering free agency and the Celtics navigating a financial tightrope, having a smaller salary slot with Raynaud would likely give the team much-needed flexibility heading into the offseason.' Giovany noted that, in addition to trading Porzingis, Boston is also likely to lose backup Luke Kornet in free agency. Thirty-nine-year-old veteran Al Horford will also hit the open market. Assuming Kornet and Horford sign elsewhere, reserves Xavier Tillman Sr. and Neemias Queta would be the only remaining centers on the roster. Celtics need immediate production after Kristaps Porzingis trade David Butler II-Imagn Images It might not be Maxime Raynaud, but the Celtics will likely need whoever they take at No. 32 to be an immediate contributor. In addition to losing Porzingis, Boston will also be without Jayson Tatum for most of the 2025-2026 season after the six-time All-Star tore his Achilles in the playoffs. The team's eventful offseason further included trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Advertisement Boston's series of moves forces Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White to shoulder the bulk of the offensive responsibilities in 2025-2026. While manageable, the Celtics would ideally like to add more to their limited core. The Porzingis deal makes center the team's biggest roster need, one that it figures to address in the draft. The Celtics already have one rookie on their team. Boston took Spanish forward Hugo Gonzalez with the No. 28 pick of the first round. The 19-year-old forward has already been playing professionally for several years with the prestigious Real Madrid club. Related: Brad Stevens reveals Celtics' dream Al Horford, Luke Kornet offseason scenario Related: Brad Stevens reveals Celtics' 'foundation' amid Jaylen Brown, Derrick White trade rumors
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtics' trade proposal for Robert Williams brings much-needed depth
The post Celtics' trade proposal for Robert Williams brings much-needed depth appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Boston Celtics have a pressing need at the center position, and because of that, the Celtics should trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for Robert Williams. Advertisement The Celtics have made some big trades this offseason in an effort to get their finances in check. They traded Jrue Holiday for Anferee Simons before making a separate deal involving Kristaps Porzingis that netted Georges Niang. With Jayson Tatum out for the upcoming season because of his torn Achilles, it made sense to make the moves necessary to get under the second apron. Even so, Boston isn't entering a full rebuilding mode. They still expect to contend upon Tatum's return, and in a weak Eastern Conference, they will even still look to win games next season. The Trail Blazers seem destined to trade a center, and Williams has a history in Boston. So what would a Williams-to-Boston deal look like? Celtics' possible trade package for Robert Williams Celtics receive: Robert Williams Advertisement Trail Blazers receive: Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, JD Davison, second-round pick The Trail Blazers drafted yet another center in the 2025 NBA Draft. A year after choosing Donovan Clingan in the lottery, Portland selected Yang Hansen 16th overall. The rookie from China will add to a depth chart that also features Deandre Ayton, Duop Reath, and Williams. One, two, or potentially even three of those players need to go, as there simply aren't enough minutes to go around, and none of them can share the floor together. Ayton and Williams are the likely trade candidates, but the former first overall pick may cost a pretty penny. Williams, meanwhile, could likely be had for cheap especially because he is quite far down the center pecking order in Portland. Advertisement The decision to draft Hansen was one of many peculiar moves this offseason for the Trail Blazers. Additionally, they had previously worked with the Celtics in the Holiday trade. Anfernee Simons was sent to Boston in that deal, and although the Trail Blazers were widely criticized for that move, they are clearly comfortable negotiating with the Celtics. This trade would be a much better deal for Portland than the Holiday trade was. Sam Hauser is one of the best catch-and-shoot 3-point specialists in the NBA, which is a niche the Trail Blazers need. Hauser's 8.5 points per game last season were far superior to Williams' scoring output, and he has been a more reliable option when it comes to health throughout his career, too. Should the Celtics trade for Robert Williams? Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports With Porzingis already shipped away and Al Horford nearing retirement, the Celtics need help at center. Williams has never been able to stay healthy consistently, which is part of the reason he was shipped from Boston to Portland in the first place, but he was a great fit for the Celtics when he was able to stay on the floor during his days with the team. Advertisement Williams' nickname is 'Timelord' because he is one of the best at blocking shots in the NBA. He is also a serviceable lob threat and put-back artist. Williams could play behind or alongside Horford if the veteran has another season in him. He'd be even more valuable if Horford decides to retire or not re-sign. Losing Hauser wouldn't be easy for the Celtics, but it would continue their offseason trend of getting their finances in check. Williams only has one year left on his contract, whereas Hauser is on the books for four more seasons. As of now, the Celtics will bank on Neemias Queta to play heavy minutes at the center unless they re-sign Luke Kornet and/or Horford. Regardless, the Celtics need more help at the five spot. Boston's roster is going to look a whole lot different next season, and they probably shouldn't stop making changes now. Related: Celtics' Jayson Tatum shares Cooper Flagg photo after NBA Draft Related: Celtics pull off trade with Magic amid second round of 2025 NBA draft
