The Kristaps Porzingis trade
Grade: B+
Once the Washington Wizards traded away Bradley Beal, it was only a matter of time before Kristaps Porzingis was going to be out the door. Porzingis, who had a player option worth $36 million for the 2023-24 season could have declined and become an unrestricted free agent if he desired. So, getting anything of value could be considered a win for Washington, but one has to wonder if they still could have done better than what they received.
Porzingis ended up opting into the next year of his deal and being traded to the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies.
In return, the Wizards received Tyus Jones from the Memphis Grizzlies, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the 35th pick in the 2023 Draft from the Boston Celtics.
Tyus Jones is a valuable floor general who can contribute next season. Gallinari and Muscala were mainly part of the deal for salary-matching purposes. The fact that all three of these contracts are expiring was presumably attractive for the Wizards who want to maintain financial flexibility.
Still, Porzingis was Washington’s best player last season, coming off a career season. Losing a player of that caliber in his prime without receiving a first-round pick or a young player hurts. It’s difficult to know what other offers were potentially there, but keeping him for next season at least until the trade deadline could have potentially been a better alternative for the Wizards.