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The three-team Kristaps Porzingis trade has fallen apart. While initially reported that all teams were moving on, the Celtics and Wizards are still talking.
Kristaps Porzingis is still on the Washington Wizards. At least for now.
After reports that the veteran big was on the move to the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade also involving the Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the initially reported trade fell apart and that all three teams are moving on.
Having said that, the trade is not dead yet. Though the trade seemed perfect for the Clippers previously, Boston moved on from adding the third team and are still in discussions with the Wizards about a swap for Porzingis, per Wojnarowski.
It would seem like the Clippers have a better offer on the table for their expiring contracts. Specifically, it appears that Marcus Morris could very well be moved in the coming days.
NBA Rumors: Kristaps Porzingis trade falls through with Clippers, but Celtics and Wizards still negotiating
It is really unclear why the trade ended up not working. All teams worked within the salary constraints. However, some details involving the Clippers appeared problematic as Wojnarowski noted the Celtics didn’t want to wait longer on Wednesday and nixed the three-team trade to work exclusively with the Wizards.
However, the Celtics are now facing a salary cap problem when it comes to trading for Porzingis. They would need to offer Payton Pritchard in a trade to make the financial aspects work. They would also need to shop Malcolm Brogdon for another team.
This could happen soon due to the fact that Porzingis could accept his player option at midnight on Wednesday. Boston could offer a first-round pick by midnight in order to get this deal done, but we’ll see where things trend quickly.