In a stunning off-season move, the Atlanta Hawks have acquired 7’2″ center Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics as part of a three‑team trade also involving the Brooklyn Nets. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, was finalized today, June 25, 2025.
Trade Breakdown
- Atlanta Hawks receive:
- Kristaps Porzingis
- A future second‑round draft pick.
- Brooklyn Nets receive:
- Forward guard Terance Mann
- The Hawks’ No. 22 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- Boston Celtics receive:
- Veteran forward Georges Niang
- Another future second‑round pick.
Why Boston Pulled the Trigger
The Celtics are aggressively restructuring. They previously traded Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers, and now shipping Porzingis — who earns $30.7 M next season — helps them drop below the NBA’s second luxury-tax apron, saving approximately $180 million in penalties.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury and a new ownership group finalizing, Boston is prioritizing financial flexibility and long-term planning.
Hawks’ High-Risk, High-Reward Play
Atlanta is betting on Porzingis shaking off his injury history to complement Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu. In the 2024–25 season, KP averaged 19.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 1.5 BPG, showcasing his lethal 3‑point shooting (41.2%) and rim protection.
Though he only played in 42 games due to a “post‑viral syndrome” and ankle issues, Atlanta views this as a relatively low-cost bet for a potentially elite two-way big .
Grading the Deal: SB Nation gave the Hawks an A–, praising the low asset cost for a prime possibility .
Nets Boost Draft Arsenal
Brooklyn turns Mann’s expiring deal into valuable draft capital. With the addition of Atlanta’s No. 22 pick, the Nets now boast five first-round picks in 2025 (Nos. 8, 19, 22, 26, 27), plus a couple of seconds — a major asset pool for trades or talent picks.
Nets GM Sean Marks is being lauded for leveraging cap space into long-term flexibility.
Porzingis Reflects on His Time in Boston
In a heartfelt social media post, Porzingis expressed gratitude:
“Boston will always be special in my heart. … Forever grateful.”.
As a key contributor to Boston’s 2024 championship, Porzingis averaged 20.1 PPG in 57 games his first season and continued to stretch the floor consistently.
What’s Next for All Teams
- Hawks: Coach Quin Snyder will likely experiment with Porzingis and Okongwu sharing the frontcourt. The team’s injury risk remains, but their cost control and build-around flexibility make it a calculated gamble..
- Celtics: Now under the second apron, Boston may pursue additional cost-cutting moves — possibly involving Jaylen Brown or Derrick White — to further recalibrate ahead of Tatum’s return.
- Nets: With cap space and a haul of first-rounders, Brooklyn is in prime position to trade up or bring in new talent. Their five picks open doors for major offseason moves.
Final Thoughts
This three-team trade is a strategic pivot:
- Atlanta gambles on high upside at minimal cost.
- Boston gains much-needed cap relief.
- Brooklyn maximizes draft flexibility.
With the full trade becoming official on July 6 (when the new league year opens), attention now shifts to how each franchise builds from here.
