According to someone with knowledge of the agreement, the Boston Celtics are trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks, and the Brooklyn Nets will receive another pick in Wednesday’s first round of the NBA draft as part of the three-team transaction.
The source, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade isn’t anticipated to be finalized until the start of the new league year on July 6, stated that Porzingis is going to the Hawks, Boston will acquire Georges Niang and a second-round pick, and Brooklyn will end up with Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick that Atlanta holds in Wednesday’s draft.
The move was first reported by ESPN and then verified by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Following the team’s agreement to trade Jrue Holiday to Portland, this is Boston’s second significant transaction of the week. The Celtics, who will be missing Jayson Tatum for at least a large chunk of next season due to an Achilles tear, will have more flexibility going forward because of the combination of those transactions, which still put Boston above the tax line for the upcoming campaign but out from under the second apron.
It’s crucial to stay below the second apron since once it’s reached, it restricts the options available to teams for player acquisition or trade.
Like Holiday, Porzingis was a member of the squad that helped Boston win the NBA championship in 2024. His contract expires next season, and he will earn $30.7 million. In both Boston’s playoff run this spring and the second half of the previous season, he was occasionally slowed by illness. However, it’s encouraging that he plans to play for Latvia at EuroBasket this summer.
Porzingis wrote on social media this week, “Thank you for all of your support and inquiries about my health.” All offseason, I’ve been feeling great, and I’m looking forward to a robust and healthy European championship tournament.
In 42 games this season, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
In theory, the Nets now have five selections in the first round on Wednesday. In addition to having the Nos. 8, 19, 26, and 27 picks already, the Hawks will effectively be selecting for the Nets at No. 22 going forward.
