On the January 29 episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, a mailbag question sparked a fascinating hypothetical: what if Kristaps Porzingis, currently with the Hawks, ends up back in Boston before the season ends?
Here’s how that scenario could unfold. Porzingis is on an expiring $30.73 million contract - a figure that makes him more valuable for his cap-clearing potential than his on-court production at this point.
If the Hawks decide to move him in a salary dump ahead of the trade deadline, the acquiring team might buy him out. And if that happens, Porzingis would almost certainly clear waivers - no team is picking up that number - and become a free agent, eligible to sign with any team except the Hawks for the rest of the season.
Now here’s where things get interesting for Celtics fans. What if Porzingis, after a buyout, wanted to return to Boston on a minimum contract?
It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Porzingis spent the last two seasons in Boston, helped the team lift a banner, and built strong chemistry with the core - Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, not to mention head coach Joe Mazzulla. His fit with the Celtics was never in question - it was his availability that became the issue.
Porzingis missed significant time due to illness during last year’s playoffs, and that may have been the difference between another deep run and an early exit. Boston made the tough call to move on, and given his durability issues, it was probably the right move. Still, the idea of a reunion - at a fraction of the cost - is compelling.
In Atlanta, Porzingis has been productive when he’s played. He’s averaging 17 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 36% from deep, and offering his usual rim protection.
But he’s only appeared in 17 games so far, and the same health concerns that plagued him in Boston have followed him to the Hawks. That’s what made his contract such a burden - and what could now make him a surprising bargain on the buyout market.
If Porzingis were suddenly available for a minimum deal, the Celtics would have to at least think about it. Their frontcourt has held up admirably this season, with Neemias Queta and Luka Garza stepping in on minimum contracts and exceeding expectations. But if Boston is serious about contending for another title - and they absolutely should be - adding a proven big with playoff experience and elite pick-and-pop potential could elevate them to another level.
Porzingis already knows the system. He understands his role.
He’s played alongside Boston’s stars and thrived. His floor spacing and shot blocking are assets the Celtics could use, and as part of a three-man center rotation - all on minimum deals - the risk becomes much more manageable.
There’s no guarantee this scenario plays out. A lot has to happen - a trade, a buyout, Porzingis clearing waivers, and then choosing Boston over other suitors.
But if you're Brad Stevens, this is the kind of opportunity you monitor closely. Because if the stars align, bringing KP back into the fold could be a low-risk, high-reward move that pays dividends in May and June.