Celtics sign Kristaps Porzingis to two-year, $60M extension

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis has signed a new two-year, $60 million contract extension, keeping him on a $96 million contract through the 2025-26 season, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Janis said Excel Sports Management’s Porzingis told ESPN on Wednesday.

The two sides finalized an agreement on Wednesday, more than two weeks after Porzingis exercised his $36 million option for the 2023-2024 season to be included in a three-team transfer to the Celtics that will replace the departure of guard Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Porzingis, 27, comes to Boston after enjoying the best season of his NBA career with the Washington Wizards, averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

After injuries and difficult departures with the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks shattered what seemed an eternal All-Star career, Porzingis’ season with Washington once again established him as one of the league’s best and most versatile 7-footers.

The Celtics are counting on him alongside All-NBA forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to play a key role in the franchise’s championship fight.

“I think these are the best years for a basketball player,” Porzingis said at a recent press conference. “You are physically there and mentally you reach a different level. I think the work paid off for me. I looked at my game, I thought about how I could be more efficient and I really analyzed myself and it paid off.” Last season I put all the work off the pitch to stay healthy.

“My body is maturing and getting to that age has helped and I think I have some great years ahead of me at a high level.”