Kristaps Porzingis was one of last year’s biggest off-season moves for the Boston Celtics. In a bold move, the Celtics traded fan favorite Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that brought Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. While parting with the team’s heart and soul was a significant sacrifice, the decision has proven worthwhile up to this point, as the 7 feet 2 inch center was instrumental in the Celtics’ run to the championship.

Although Porzingis may have given up a few million dollars by joining the Celtics, this decision paved the way for him to win his first championship ring in his eighth season in the NBA. “The idea of being here for a long time, it would be what I want,” he said. “And when the time comes, (an extension is) hopefully going to be a discussion and we’ll see,” said the 29-year-old when he had just signed for the Celtics while talking to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston.

Following the trade, Porzingis finalized a two-year, $60 million contract extension with the Celtics in August 2023, ensuring his commitment to the team through the 2025-26 season. Eager to secure a guaranteed spot on the roster, the deal was done on the first day of his free agency. Deciding quickly, the Latvian star didn’t have to go through any uncertainty waiting for a spot.

Porzingis currently has a two-year contract with the Celtics, valued at $60 million, which averages out to $30 million per year. In the upcoming 2024-25 season, he will earn $$29,268,293, while the subsequent 2025-26 season will boost his income by an additional $30,731,707.

Kristaps Porzingis’ negotiation skills are as good as his game

Riddled with injuries during his time with the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks, Porzingis came back stronger and cemented his status as one of the league’s top and most adaptable centers during his time with the Wizards.

Raking numbers that he had never before, in his career-best season with the Wizards he averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game. He was in talks with the Utah Jazz as well, according to reports, who were ready to pay him more than what the C’s were offering. But his decision to go with Boston was the correct one. Securing a contract extension when your career has a long list of injuries is very tough. But Porzingis proved everyone wrong and showed the C’s that he was still a dominating force in the NBA and could perform at the top level.

Porzingis dropped 20 points in the first game against the Mavs in the Finals, providing them a quick start in their quest for the championship. He sat out the entire 2nd round and the Conference Finals but he came back in the Finals like he was never out.

Just when things appeared to be going well, he suffered another injury but returned to play in Game 5. He played through the injury and finally clinched what he had been chasing for 8 seasons. For the 2024-25 season, the C’s had a quiet offseason, as the team looks set to be in contention for the title for years to come.