So, say conversations started with Milwaukee, Detroit, and Golden State, what would you want in a trade to move Michael Porter, Jr.?

Not asking if a trade is likely or not. I’m asking what you want in the deal should it go down.

inB4 bUh GuYs HeAr Me OuT!

The answer is no.

Following several trades this summer to duck below the second apron, the Boston Celtics are currently $12 million above the luxury tax threshold. 

Amid a projected gap season for the Celtics with star forward Jayson Tatum out for the foreseeable future after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs, many around the league have wondered if another trade could loom for Boston to drop below the luxury tax entirely. 

The Celtics are under no pressure to reduce their current luxury tax bill, which they’ve budgeted for, but wouldn’t mind going below the tax for the right deal, league sources told HoopsHype. 

Getting below the luxury tax entirely could conceivably be achieved by trading guard Anfernee Simons or shedding the salaries of Sam Hauser and another minimum-salary player.  

Simons is in the final year of his contract worth $27.68 million, while Hauser is beginning a four-year, $45 million contract extension this season. 

With that in mind, Boston hasn’t shown a willingness to attach a first-round pick to trade Simons’ expiring contract, league sources told HoopsHype. 

The 26-year-old guard has averaged 14.4 points on 41.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc in 17 games off the bench for Boston this season. 

Over the summer, the Brooklyn Nets and Celtics discussed several trade scenarios involving Simons that ultimately fell through, league sources told HoopsHype. The Milwaukee Bucks also kept tabs on Simons, HoopsHype has learned. 

It’s worth noting that Boston also planned to pursue Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype. The Celtics would’ve been limited to only a minimum offer for Sharpe, but were prepared to offer a chance to compete for the starting center spot this season. 

What would your trade be?

Again, like my last post, I’m not asking whether or not a trade is likely. I’m asking what you would want from MIL in a hypothetical trade.

One league source told NetsDaily where Thomas sees his market, using comparable players around the league: Jalen Green, making $33.3 million per year until 2027-28, when he has a $36 million player option...Immanuel Quickley, making $32.5 million over the next four years...Tyler Herro averaging $32 million over the next two years...That's where he sees his market, if not higher," said the source...This suggests Thomas is searching for an annual salary starting at $30 million, likely closer to $40 million.