In a bold move to reshape their roster and financial outlook, the Boston Celtics have agreed to trade center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets. This trade, confirmed by multiple league sources, comes just a day after the Celtics sent point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The trade will see Boston acquire veteran forward Georges Niang from the Hawks, while also trading away the lesser of their two 2026 second-round picks and gaining a 2031 second-round pick. The Celtics, who faced a daunting combined salary and luxury tax bill of approximately $500 million next season, will see this figure reduced by about $220 million, according to CapSheets.com.
Financial Relief and Roster Flexibility
By shedding Porzingis’s $30.8 million salary, the Celtics will slip below the second salary apron, easing significant roster-building restrictions. This move is crucial as it prevents future first-round draft picks from being frozen, allows for salary aggregation in trades, and retains access to the mid-level exception.
With star player Jayson Tatum likely sidelined next season due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics will begin the upcoming season without at least three starters from their 2024 championship team. The NBA’s roster-building rules aim to promote parity, and Boston’s recent moves highlight the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge under these constraints.
Georges Niang: A Strategic Acquisition
Georges Niang, a Methuen native, joins the Celtics after averaging a career-high 12.1 points per game with the Hawks last season. Known for his 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc, Niang’s acquisition is primarily a financial maneuver. His $8.2 million expiring contract offers Boston flexibility as they navigate their salary cap situation.
The trade was facilitated by the Nets, who absorbed the $22 million contract of Hawks guard Terance Mann, allowing the deal to proceed smoothly. This strategic maneuvering underscores the complex nature of NBA trades, particularly when multiple teams are involved.
Brad Stevens’ Vision for the Future
Brad Stevens, head of basketball operations for the Celtics, has been candid about the challenges of managing the team’s salary cap. Following the team’s playoff elimination by the Knicks, Stevens emphasized the need for strategic decisions based on a comprehensive evaluation of the team’s performance and financial standing.
“The [collective bargaining agreement] has been well-known for years. So there are penalties associated with being at certain levels, and we know that. You just weigh that. You weigh where we are. You weigh everything else then you make those decisions,” Stevens explained.
Despite the emotional toll of parting with key players like Holiday and Porzingis, the Celtics are focused on maintaining a competitive roster. The acquisition of Anfernee Simons from the Trail Blazers, in exchange for Holiday, reflects this strategy. Simons, on an expiring contract, offers both immediate talent and future financial flexibility.
Porzingis: A Fan Favorite and His Impact
Kristaps Porzingis, acquired by the Celtics in the summer of 2023, quickly became a fan favorite at TD Garden. His performance during the championship season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, was instrumental in Boston’s success. However, his tenure was marred by injuries, limiting his impact during crucial playoff moments.
Porzingis’s charismatic presence and connection with fans will be missed. His recent Instagram post expressing optimism about his health and future with the Latvian national team underscores his enduring appeal.
Looking Ahead: Draft and Free Agency
As the Celtics navigate these roster changes, they are also preparing for the upcoming NBA draft, where they hold the 28th and 32nd picks. Over 50 prospects have visited the Auerbach Center for workouts, highlighting the team’s commitment to building a strong future foundation.
Meanwhile, the Celtics face decisions regarding veteran players like Al Horford and Luke Kornet, both unrestricted free agents. Horford’s future remains uncertain, while Kornet’s impressive performance last season makes him a valuable asset. The Celtics hold Kornet’s “Bird Rights,” allowing them to re-sign him without cap restrictions.
As league-wide free agency talks commence, the Celtics will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen their roster while remaining financially prudent. The creation of a substantial traded player exception from the Porzingis deal positions Boston to acquire talent without matching salaries, though this will depend on staying under the second salary apron.
The Celtics’ strategic moves this offseason reflect a delicate balance between financial management and maintaining a competitive edge in the NBA. As they prepare for the next chapter, the team remains committed to adapting and thriving in a rapidly evolving landscape.
