Things are looking fragmented for the Boston Celtics after Jason Tatum’s torn Achilles. On Monday, they traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Then, just a day later, they decided to move another key player from their 2024 Championship roster, Kristaps Porzingis, in a three-team deal involving the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks, eager to bolster their roster, acquired Porzingis and, in return, the Celtics picked up Georges Niang and a second-rounder. Additionally, the Brooklyn Nets secured the No. 22 pick in the upcoming draft that Atlanta previously held. This trade was first revealed by Shams Charania.
The Hawks needed centers, while the Celtics aimed to save some cash, and the Nets managed to boost their cap space in the process, picking up yet another first-round pick. It’s surprising to think the Nets now have five first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Let’s take a closer look at how all parties involved fared in this trade.
Hawks’ Evaluation of the Kristaps Porzingis Trade
The Hawks had a pressing need for a starting center with Clint Capela entering free agency. Capela has been a pivotal player for Atlanta over the last five years, even though they did draft Onyeka Okongwu with a top 10 pick. With Capela now on the downside of his career, they found a potential replacement in Porzingis.
If Porzingis can stay healthy, he presents a solid option as a rim protector and is one of the list of better three-point shooting centers in the league. However, that “if” hangs heavily over him, considering the injuries he’s faced throughout his career, particularly last season.
This past playoff run saw Porzingis struggle with a mysterious illness, limiting his playtime. He managed only 42 games this season, following offseason ankle surgery after the Celtics’ Championship run, where he played a minimal role in the playoffs due to his injury.
When healthy, Porzingis can still make a significant impact. He shot 41% from beyond the arc, averaging six attempts per game this year, and boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 36.6%. His shooting ability adds a layer to Atlanta’s game they lacked before, without compromising their defense.
Moreover, Porzingis is a capable shot blocker, reinforcing the Hawks’ defensive strategy. With the aim of surrounding Trae Young with defenders, he becomes that final crucial component. Atlanta has built a team with talented defensive players like Dyson Daniels and Jaren Johnson, and adding Porzingis, who has a remarkable 7’6″ wingspan, bolsters their defense even further.
As they face the likes of Tatum, Halliburton, and Lillard in the East, Atlanta seems keen on making a push. Porzingis, turning 30 next season, is under a $30.7 million contract. With their No. 13 pick secured, they now have a chance to fill their most urgent needs. While health concerns might make Porzingis a gamble, if he can play, he’s certainly an asset. This move reflects positively on Atlanta’s new front office.
Hawks Grade: A-
Celtics’ Evaluation of the Kristaps Porzingis Trade
This trade primarily focuses on financial relief for Boston. Niang’s contract, expiring at $8.2 million next season, saves the Celtics a significant amount of money in luxury tax payments and puts them in a better position when Tatum returns from injury next year.
Porzingis’ trade value declined after his postseason illness, which makes the Celtics’ hopes of regaining worthwhile assets a bit dim. Ideally, they would have preferred to acquire more substantial returns for both Porzingis and Holiday, but it seems they were just ready to move on.
With these moves, Boston appears to be gearing up for a reset. Could we see Jaylen Brown or Derrick White traded next? If that happens, the Celtics might end up looking like a lottery team next year, especially considering the strength in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, if both players stay put, there’s still a chance for them to contend in a relatively weaker East. Personally, I think they might lean toward the lottery side, but that might be their strategy.
Celtics Grade: B+
Overall Evaluation of the Three-Team Trade
The Nets acquired yet another first-round pick, specifically the No. 22 pick from this transaction. They took on Mann’s contract in this deal, which amounts to $47 million over three years. This feels like a savvy move for Brooklyn’s front office, showcasing a willingness to rent out space for first-round picks.
Currently, the Nets hold picks No. 8, No. 19, No. 22, No. 26, and No. 27. With some speculation around potential trades, they could be eyeing prospects like Oklahoma’s Jeremiah and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey. They really have the resources to make a big move or to simply take the best player available at No. 8 while looking to package some of their later picks for future selections.
GM Sean Marks has made some solid moves, especially with the trade for Mikal Bridges, setting the Nets up nicely for the future. While I’m not entirely sold on the depth of this draft class post-lottery, Brooklyn’s guaranteed opportunity at No. 8 is still meaningful.
Another thing to note is that there’s limited cap space among teams, as Mann occupies a hefty chunk. For clubs with restricted free agents, the market’s looking thin. Overall, this trade represents effective use of cap space for the Nets, paving the way for what could be a fascinating draft day.
Nets Grade: A
