Pressure Would Mount On Miami Heat If Boston Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics were involved in a three-team deal to acquire Kristaps Porzingis before it fell apart but talks with Wizards are still ongoing

After the Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics are attempting to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards.

A deal three-team trade involving the Celtics, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers fell through late Wednesday according to multiple reports. Still, the Celtics and Wizards remain in talks for a deal that would send Porzingis to Boston according to ESPN. 

The Wizards are still working on ways to get Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics in an opt-in and trade scenario, but it won't be in a three-way with the Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Porzingis still has the ability to decline his $36 million player option and become a free agent.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023

The addition would add to the Celtics' championship hopes, making things more difficult for the Heat next season. Porzingis paired with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown gives Boston, already a contender, a powerful Big Three. 

That trio would put pressure on the Heat to make an acquisition to keep pace. Although Miami team president Pat Riley told reporters he is not interested in going after a superstar, making some offseason moves may be needed if the Porzingis trade happens.

Last season the Heat made the NBA Finals despite no offseason acquisitions. Not sure they can afford that luxury if the Celtics add Porzingis. 

MORE HEAT-RELATED STORIES

Heat have plenty options with the No. 18 pick. CLICK HERE

Heat could target Shake Milton in free agency. CLICK HERE

Damian Lillard could be off the market for Heat. CLICK HERE

For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE

If you wanna bet on any games at @PrizePicks or PrizePicks.com, use our link and code. They will match your first bet for up to $100. Here's the code: PR-R1YOFY6

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com