Celtics Urged to Target Kristaps Porzingis Replacement With 32nd Pick

The Boston Celtics selected Hug0 Gonzalez with the 28th pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, June 25. They now head into the second day of the draft armed with the 32nd overall pick.

On Tuesday, June 24, Brad Stevens traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a 3-team trade. With Luke Kornet and Al Horford both unrestricted free agents, it would make sense if Stevens targeted a big man. According to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, Maxime Raynaud could make sense as a long-term big man prospect.

“Maxime Raynaud to the Celtics at No. 32 makes sense as an older, seven-foot prospect who can space the floor and potentially be ready to soak up minutes after the Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks,” Giovany wrote. “With Luke Kornet entering free agency and the Celtics navigating a financial tightrope, having a smaller salary slot with Raynaud would likely give the team much-needed flexibility heading into the offseason.”

Raynaud can shoot the three, defend multiple positions, rebound and has shown growth as a pick-and-roll threat over the last 12 months. His 7-foot-1 frame would also help replace some of the size and shot deterrence Boston lost when parting with Porzingis.

Celtics Could Lose Luke Kornet

Boston’s need for a new big man becomes more pressing when you consider it could lose Kornet or Horford to the free agency market. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Kornet is expected to have a “robust” free agency market.

“Kornet ranks as one of the best players analytically entering free agency,” Scotto reported on June 16. “…After thoroughly outplaying his current contract, Kornet is expected to earn a substantial pay raise and have a robust market this summer among various teams who have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to spend.”

Kornet has earned the opportunity to receive a pay rise. He’s been a core part of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation for the past two years. Furthermore, he’s developed into one of the best non-shooting big men in the NBA. Stevens could face a legitimate battle to keep him around.

Al Horford is Also Drawing Interest

During the same Scotto report, it was revealed that Horford is also drawing interest from around the NBA.

“Predominantly, high-level playoff contenders are monitoring Horford to see if he’d leave Boston, with the Celtics expected to take a step back without Tatum next season and in a financial crunch regarding their salary books,” Scotto reported.

Horford is a winning player. Contending teams will view his leadership and on-court production as a massive addition to their rotations. His age ensures that he’s not a long-term fit, making him ideal for contending-level rosters.

Nevertheless, Horford could still choose to stick with the Celtics. He won a championship with the franchise just 12 months ago. He’s always appeared happy to be part of the rotation. So, if Horford doesn’t choose to retire this summer, it’s still logical that he re-signs with the Celtics.

Of course, a significant contract offer from elsewhere could quickly change that calculus. The decision will come down to how much Horford values continuity over one final pay day.