Make that two blockbuster trades in less than 24 hours for the Celtics, who reportedly sent Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta in a three-team deal.
Make that two blockbuster trades in less than 24 hours for the Celtics.
One day after Boston shipped guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday reported the team was finalizing a three-team deal to send center Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Celtics reportedly will receive forward Georges Niang and a second-round pick in the trade, which, in conjunction with the Holiday swap, pushes Boston below the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax. The third involved team, the Brooklyn Nets, will receive Hawks guard Terrance Mann and Atlanta’s first-round selection (No. 22 overall) in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Both acquired during the 2023 offseason, Porzingis and Holiday were the pieces that pushed the Celtics over the championship hump, starring for the team that ended Boston’s 18-year NBA championship drought last summer. At his best, Porzingis was a difference-maker at both ends for the C’s, offering a rare combination of shot-blocking ability and perimeter shooting that made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
In his two seasons with Boston, Porzingis averaged 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots per game, shooting 50.2% from the field and 39.2% from 3-point range.
The 7-foot-2 unicorn also became a fan favorite, earning raucous ovations from the TD Garden crowd during the 2024 NBA Finals and throughout the 2024-25 season.
