By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Strengthening the bid for the first NBA championship since 2008 and the 18th in team history recently stretched to adding Kristaps Porzingis via trade. Furthermore, the Boston Celtics also hope to reach an agreement with the Latvian big on a contract extension.
Porzingis, 27, naturally opted in for the 2022-23 season to complete his move from the Washington Wizards to Boston. Picking up the player option projects him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he does not ink a contract extension during the offseason, starting from 6 July. He is eligible for a maximum two-year, $77 million contract.
Celtics president of basketball operations and former head coach of the franchise, Brad Stevens mentioned he is hopeful the involved sides can negotiate an extension commenting on Porzingis in the press conference following the 2023 NBA draft, relays Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
The trade centered on the Latvian forward/center also secured an additional pick for the 2023 draft and a future first-round pick. Also, Marcus Smart went to the Memphis Grizzlies, while Italian Danilo Gallinari alongside Tyus Jones ended up in Washington.
Apart from being traded and potentially considering an offer from the Celtics, Porzingis is expected to represent Latvia in his home country’s first-ever participation in the FIBA World Cup. Latvia is set to face Lebanon, France, and Canada in Jakarta with the top top teams of Group H advancing to the second preliminary round of the tournament.
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