Kristaps Porzingis can be a key trade piece for the Celtics this offseason as they prepare for a season without Jayson Tatum.

Porzingis, Hachimura, and Kleber all have contracts expiring after the 2025-26 season, which makes this move manageable financially for both sides. The Lakers preserve their core while giving LeBron James and Luka Doncic the kind of frontcourt star that can shoot, rim protect, and complement their play styles.

The Celtics' big man had dealt with an illness during the regular season, so it seemed that it lingered with him. It clearly impacted Porzingis while on the court, and he simply couldn't provide Boston with the production that the team needed. After Game 6, Porzingis addressed the illness, admitting that he wasn't even sure he knew what it was.