2025-06-25T01:13:57Z

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In a significant move in the NBA landscape, Kristaps Porzingis is set to be traded by the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks, marking a notable shift for both teams involved in the deal. This trade is part of a three-team arrangement that will also see the Brooklyn Nets gaining an additional selection in the upcoming first round of the NBA Draft, according to a reliable source who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

Under the terms of the agreement, Porzingis will join the Hawks, while the Celtics will acquire forward Georges Niang along with a second-round draft pick. Meanwhile, the Nets are expected to secure Terance Mann and the 22nd overall pick, which is currently held by the Hawks for this Wednesday’s draft. This trade is not yet finalized as it awaits the official commencement of the new league year, which is set for July 6.

The breakdown of the trade is as follows: the Hawks will receive Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick, the Nets will obtain Terance Mann and a first-round pick in 2025, while the Celtics will gain Georges Niang and another second-round pick. ESPN was the first to report on this transaction, with later confirmation from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

This trade marks Boston's second major transaction within a week, following their agreement to send Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Collectively, these moves position the Celtics beyond the luxury tax line for the upcoming season but allow them to evade the restrictions associated with exceeding the second apron. This adjustment is crucial for the Celtics, especially as they anticipate being without star player Jayson Tatum for a significant period due to an Achilles injury.

Getting under the second apron is critical for NBA teams, as exceeding this threshold imposes limitations on how they can engage in trades or sign new players. Porzingis, who played a pivotal role in helping the Celtics clinch the 2024 NBA title, is on the books for $30.7 million next season on an expiring contract. His performance was hampered by illness in the latter part of the past season and during the playoffs; however, he has expressed optimism about his health. Porzingis intends to represent Latvia in the upcoming EuroBasket championship, indicating a strong recovery.

“Thanks for all the support and questions about my health,” Porzingis shared on social media this week. “I’ve been feeling excellent all offseason and look forward to a healthy and strong European championship tournament.” His impressive averages of 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 42 games this past season demonstrate his significant contributions to the Celtics.

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets now have a total of five picks in the first round of the draft, having secured the Nos. 8, 19, 26, and 27 selections prior to this trade. With the addition of the Hawks’ 22nd selection, the Nets are well-positioned to bolster their roster as they approach the draft.