Boston Celtics fans, brace yourselves for a pivotal offseason! As the team navigates the complexities of the NBA’s second apron payroll threshold, center Kristaps Porzingis, with his $30.7 million contract, has emerged as a prime trade candidate. After a postseason marred by health issues and an unceremonious second-round playoff exit, the Celtics are weighing their options. Could Porzingis be on his way out, and if so, who will replace him? A new mock draft from NBC Sports Boston suggests the answer lies in Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7-foot rim protector who could reshape Boston’s frontcourt. Let’s dive into the trade rumors, Porzingis’ impact, and the Celtics’ draft strategy in this thrilling NBA offseason.
The Porzingis Dilemma
Kristaps Porzingis, the 7’2” Latvian star, has been both a blessing and a challenge for the Celtics. Instrumental in their 2023-2024 NBA Championship and the 61-win 2024-2025 regular season—one of only 15 times in franchise history the Celtics have reached 60 wins—Porzingis has proven his value. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and contribute on both ends made him a cornerstone of Boston’s success.
However, health concerns continue to cloud his tenure. A lingering viral illness flared up during the 2025 postseason, limiting his effectiveness and contributing to the Celtics’ shocking second-round loss to the New York Knicks in six games. At 29 years old, with a $30.7 million salary for the 2025-2026 season, Porzingis’ contract is a financial burden under the NBA’s restrictive second apron rules. These rules penalize high-spending teams, making Porzingis an obvious candidate for a trade—not just for financial relief but also due to doubts about his long-term reliability.
Trading Porzingis would free up cap space and allow the Celtics to reshape their roster, but it comes with risks. His unique skill set is hard to replace, and any move must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term financial flexibility. As the offseason unfolds, the Celtics’ front office faces a critical decision: hold onto Porzingis and hope for a healthy season, or move him to reset the roster?
The Center Conundrum
If Porzingis is traded, the Celtics face an immediate challenge: replacing their starting center. Backup center Luke Kornet, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2024-2025, is now a free agent and likely to command a contract beyond Boston’s budget. Third-string center Neemias Quetta has yet to prove he can handle a starting role, leaving the Celtics with a glaring hole in the frontcourt.
The free agent market offers limited options for a player of Porzingis’ caliber, and with cap constraints, the draft may be Boston’s best bet for finding a long-term solution. Enter the 2025 NBA Draft, where the Celtics hold the No. 28 pick. According to a mock draft by NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, the team could target Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7-foot center with elite defensive potential.
Ryan Kalkbrenner: The Draft Answer?
Kalkbrenner, a 24-year-old “super senior” who played five seasons at Creighton, is generating buzz as a late first-round steal. Described by Forsberg as “possibly the best rim protector in the draft,” Kalkbrenner’s defensive prowess earned him first-team Wooden All-American honors last season. NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports praises Kalkbrenner as a “throwback seven-footer who owns the paint,” highlighting his shot-blocking ability and dunking prowess, though noting his rebounding needs improvement.
What sets Kalkbrenner apart is his development beyond traditional big-man skills. His passing and shooting flashes hint at untapped offensive potential, making him more than just a defensive specialist. A viral clip shared by draft analyst Sam Vecenie on X showcases Kalkbrenner’s versatility, executing a pump fake, attacking a closeout, and finishing with a one-hand finger roll—an impressive display for a 7-footer.
At No. 28, the Celtics faced a choice between Kalkbrenner and Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud, another 7-foot center. Forsberg’s panel opted for Kalkbrenner’s elite defensive skillset, a decision that aligns with Boston’s need for a rim protector to anchor their defense post-Porzingis. Kalkbrenner’s familiarity with Celtics’ 2024 draftee Baylor Scheierman, his former Creighton teammate, could also ease his transition to the NBA.
However, Kalkbrenner’s age—he’ll turn 24 during the season—and limited rebounding raise questions about his ceiling. As an older rookie, he may lack the upside of younger prospects, but his polished defensive game and NBA-ready frame make him a low-risk, high-reward pick for a contending team like Boston.
Challenges and Opportunities
Trading Porzingis and drafting Kalkbrenner would signal a shift in Boston’s roster-building strategy. While Kalkbrenner’s rim protection could stabilize the defense, he’s not yet ready to replicate Porzingis’ offensive versatility. The Celtics would need to rely on stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to carry the scoring load, with Kalkbrenner focusing on defense and rebounding.
Financially, moving Porzingis’ contract could provide relief under the second apron, allowing Boston to pursue complementary pieces in free agency or via trades. However, the trade market for Porzingis may be limited due to his health concerns and high salary, potentially forcing the Celtics to accept a less-than-ideal return.
The draft pick itself carries risks. Late first-round selections rarely yield immediate starters, and Kalkbrenner would need to adapt quickly to the NBA’s speed and physicality. If Kornet departs and Quetta isn’t ready, Boston could face a thin frontcourt, putting pressure on Kalkbrenner to contribute early.
Despite these challenges, the opportunity to draft a player like Kalkbrenner at No. 28 is enticing. His defensive instincts and growing offensive game could make him a long-term solution at center, especially if paired with Boston’s elite wing talent. The Celtics’ history of developing late-round picks—think Robert Williams III—bodes well for Kalkbrenner’s potential success.
Why This Matters
The Porzingis trade rumors and Kalkbrenner draft projection are more than just offseason speculation—they’re a window into the Celtics’ future. Trading a key contributor like Porzingis would be a bold move, signaling a commitment to financial flexibility and roster retooling. Drafting Kalkbrenner, meanwhile, reflects Boston’s confidence in finding value late in the draft, a strategy that has fueled their sustained success.
As the NBA offseason heats up, the Celtics’ frontcourt situation will be a storyline to watch. Will they move on from Porzingis and bet on a rookie like Kalkbrenner, or will they double down on their current core for another title run? Either way, these decisions will shape Boston’s path toward reclaiming their championship glory.
The Boston Celtics are at a crossroads, with Kristaps Porzingis’ trade rumors and the potential drafting of Ryan Kalkbrenner sparking intense debate. Porzingis’ health issues and hefty contract make him a trade candidate, but replacing him won’t be easy. Kalkbrenner, with his elite rim protection and intriguing upside, could be the answer at No. 28, offering hope for a post-Porzingis future. Celtics fans, what do you think? Should the team trade Porzingis and roll the dice on Kalkbrenner, or hold tight and aim for another championship?