Kristaps Porziņģis Reveals He Expected Trade to Spurs, Calls Boston Celtics Move a “Nice Surprise” That Changed Everything

Kristaps Porziņģis wasn’t sure where he’d be playing next — but it certainly wasn’t Boston, at least not in his mind. In fact, as NBA trade talks swirled around his name, the 7-foot-3 forward believed his career was about to come full circle with a move back to Texas.

“I actually thought I was going to the Spurs,” Porziņģis told reporters during a recent interview. “That was what I heard most. But then I got that call and they said ‘Boston,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, okay… that’s different. That’s a nice surprise.’”

That twist of fate has turned into one of the most important moves of Porziņģis’ career — and one of the most strategic acquisitions in the Celtics’ recent history. The 2023 offseason blockbuster three-team deal that brought Porziņģis to Boston while sending Marcus Smart to Memphis shocked fans and analysts alike. But for Porziņģis, it was both unexpected and transformative.

From Uncertainty to Stability

At the time of the trade, Porziņģis was coming off one of his best statistical seasons with the Washington Wizards, averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He had finally looked healthy, agile, and confident — traits that were inconsistent during his tenures in New York and Dallas.

“After a few years of trying to find the right fit, I finally felt like I could play my game again,” Porziņģis said of his time in Washington. “But the team was rebuilding. I understood the business. I just didn’t expect Boston to be the one making the call.”

And yet, the Celtics were aggressive. They saw Porziņģis as the piece that could stretch defenses, protect the rim, and elevate their already star-studded lineup led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The fit, on paper, looked ideal. And soon enough, it translated to the court.

A Fast Start in Boston

Porziņģis didn’t take long to acclimate in Boston. Under head coach Joe Mazzulla, he was given the freedom to roam offensively and the responsibility to anchor the defense.

“It’s been a great situation,” Porziņģis said. “We’ve got a team that wants to win now. The culture is serious. The goals are clear. And I’ve never felt more locked in.”

With his long-range shooting, ability to switch defensively, and surprising chemistry with Derrick White and Jrue Holiday in pick-and-pop situations, Porziņģis became more than just a supplementary star. He was a core contributor to Boston’s league-best record for much of the season.

In one of the early season marquee games, Porziņģis dropped 28 points on his former team, the Knicks, in a Celtics win that sent a message to the rest of the league: Boston was bigger, deeper, and even more dangerous than last year.

Spurs Connection and Why He Thought He’d Go There

The San Antonio Spurs always made sense as a landing spot for Porziņģis, especially after the franchise won the draft lottery and secured French phenom Victor Wembanyama. The two unicorn-like bigs were seen by some front offices as potential twin towers — long, skilled, and uniquely international.

“I’d be lying if I said the Spurs weren’t on my mind,” Porziņģis admitted. “The way they’ve developed big men over the years — from Duncan to Robinson — I thought that might be where I was headed.”

Additionally, Porziņģis had connections to the Spurs’ organization. He’s long admired Gregg Popovich’s coaching style, and the chance to be a veteran presence on a young team with Wembanyama could’ve been appealing.

“I had already started thinking about the mentorship role, how I could help a guy like Wemby,” Porziņģis said. “But life had other plans.”

The “Nice Surprise”

Boston’s call wasn’t just unexpected — it was invigorating. For the first time since his early Knicks days, Porziņģis was entering a season with legitimate championship expectations.

“I remember just saying, ‘Wow. I get to play with Tatum and Brown,’” he said. “That’s a rare opportunity, man. Those guys are killers. And I get to help them win a title? That’s special.”

The change in scenery also allowed Porziņģis to let go of the burden of being “the guy.” In New York, Dallas, and Washington, he was either the centerpiece or expected to be a co-star in an unstable system. In Boston, he could focus on doing what he does best — scoring efficiently, defending the paint, and spacing the floor.

“Here, I don’t have to do everything,” he said. “I just have to do my job at a high level. That’s been the biggest mental shift.”

Eyeing Banner 18

The Celtics’ motivation was clear — they were tired of falling short in the playoffs. After losing in the NBA Finals in 2022 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023, Boston’s front office decided to go all-in. Trading Marcus Smart, the heart and soul of the team, was not easy. But adding Porziņģis provided a new dimension to the offense and greater lineup versatility.

“I know fans love Smart, and I get that. He’s a dog,” Porziņģis said. “But I came in knowing I had to earn their trust. I had to play hard, play smart, and win.”

So far, he’s held up his end of the bargain. His inside-outside presence has made life easier for Tatum and Brown, and his length has bolstered a Celtics defense that now ranks near the top of the league in nearly every metric.

Now, with the postseason in sight, Porziņģis is dreaming of something that once felt impossible: a championship parade in Boston.

“It would mean everything,” he said. “To go from uncertainty — not knowing where I’d land — to helping bring Banner 18 to Boston… that would be the storybook ending.”

No Looking Back

As he reflected on what could’ve been — mentoring Wembanyama, playing under Popovich, living in a state he once called home during his early NBA years — Porziņģis didn’t show regret. If anything, he seemed more motivated than ever.

“San Antonio would’ve been cool. But Boston is special,” he said. “This is where I belong.”

In the eyes of Celtics fans, he’s already proven that. And if he helps bring another title to TD Garden, that “nice surprise” will become a defining chapter in franchise lore.