Porzingis Heads to Hawks; Celtics Receive Niang, Nets Get Draft Asset/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Boston Celtics are trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that also benefits the Brooklyn Nets, giving them the Hawks’ No. 22 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Georges Niang and a second-round pick head to Boston, while Brooklyn receives Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick, expanding their first-round assets to five. The trade helps Boston clear salary-cap space below the second apron and gain flexibility ahead of next season, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined following an Achilles injury.
Porzingis to Hawks Trade Quick Look
- Kristaps Porzingis is heading to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
- Boston receives Georges Niang and a second-round pick, shedding salary to stay below the second apron.
- Brooklyn gains Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick, giving them five first-round selections in Wednesday’s NBA Draft.
Porzingis Heads to Hawks; Celtics Receive Niang, Nets Get Draft Asset
Deep Look
To Atlanta Hawks:
- Kristaps Porzingis, on a one-year, $30.7 million expiring deal. Despite battling illness late in the season, Porzingis averaged 19.5 PPG and 6.8 RPG over 42 games and confirmed he’ll play for Latvia at EuroBasket this summer.
To Boston Celtics:
- Georges Niang, a reliable 3-and-D veteran, along with a second-round pick, bolster the team’s bench depth. This move—alongside the Jrue Holiday trade—brings Boston beneath the NBA’s tax apron while remaining above the second apron, restoring roster and financial flexibility.
To Brooklyn Nets:
- Terance Mann, a wing with playoff experience, and the No. 22 pick bolster their draft capital. The Nets now hold five first-round picks (Nos. 8, 19, 22, 26, 27), enhancing their rebuild or trade assets.
Celtics’ Salary Strategy:
- By moving Porzingis and Holiday’s salaries, Boston reduces its luxury tax burden. However, remaining above the second apron still restricts their ability to make future signings or trades involving draft picks.
Player Health & Outlook:
Porzingis addressed concerns on social media: “I’ve been feeling excellent all offseason and look forward to a healthy and strong European championship tournament.”
Boston braces for next season without Tatum for a significant stretch, which may increase its reliance on flexibility gained through trades.
With the trade officially set to become effective at the start of the new league year on July 6, all teams involved will gear up for dynamic roster strategies and an unpredictable draft day.
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