Celtics predicted to make 'disappointing' deal with Pistons involving All-Star

The Boston Celtics will be faced with a ton of trade opportunities this offseason.

Rumors are already swirling around Boston that Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and possibly others will be on the table for deals, which will inevitably result in a ton of suitors knocking on GM Brad Stevens's door.

When it comes to Porzingis, the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are two possible landing spots. 

Another sleeper destination for KP: Detroit Pistons. 

On Friday, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes discussed a potential deal.

“What if teams across the league aren't interested in giving up real assets for an oft-injured 30-year-old due to make $30.7 million in 2025-26?” Hughes mused.

“In that scenario, salary relief might be the best Boston can hope for.”

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

“Here, the Celtics cut roughly $20 million in 2025-26 salary (plus all the tax savings), swinging an unbalanced trade on the assumption Detroit clears enough cap space to pull this off. That's doable for the Pistons if they don't retain a couple of their free agents from a list that includes Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley and Paul Reed.”

The Trade

Celtics receive…

• Simone Fontecchio
• Marcus Sasser

Pistons receive…

• Kristaps Porzingis

“This would be a disappointing return for the Celtics, and they'd be wise to see if better packages were available for Holiday or even Jaylen Brown,” Hughes continued.

“From Detroit's perspective, Porziņģis could add a new dimension to the offense, providing spacing for Cade Cunningham and the potential to field a massive front line that also includes Jalen Duren.”

“With few impact free agents available, the Pistons might view taking a flyer on KP's expiring deal as their best talent-acquisition option—all without committing any long-term cash that might limit their future flexibility.”

Porzingis to the Pistons would be a somewhat surprising outcome, and things would get mighty interesting if he stayed healthy for a Detroit team poised for another playoff run.

The Celtics have to figure out what their goals are for 2025-26 without Jayson Tatum, and the appropriate Porzingis deal (or no deal at all) will come into view.

More NBA: Warriors could surprisingly cut ties with 4-time All-Star in trade to Lakers