Kristaps Porzingis traded to Hawks in three-team deal

The Boston Celtics officially announced a three-team trade on Tuesday that further reshapes their roster. Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick are headed to the Atlanta Hawks, while Terance Mann and the 22nd draft pick go to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Boston receives Georges Niang and the 40th pick in the 2025 draft.
This transaction comes less than 24 hours after trading Jrue Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, these two trades save the Celtics $180 million in luxury tax, as their total payroll was initially projected to exceed $500 million next season.
Cost-cutting strategy following Jayson Tatum’s injury
These cost-cutting measures were expected following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tendon rupture during the second round of playoffs against the New York Knicks. The Celtics’ new management, whose team acquisition should be finalized in the coming weeks, aims to significantly reduce the payroll.
Boston now falls below the second luxury tax threshold and might even avoid the tax entirely this season. This marks a dramatic shift for a franchise that initially targeted a $532 million payroll including taxes.
Porzingis joins Atlanta after two excellent seasons in Boston, where he set a personal record with 41.2% three-point shooting while maintaining over 19 points per game. The 7’3″ Latvian should fit perfectly in the Hawks’ frontcourt alongside Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 first overall draft pick.
Brooklyn accumulates draft picks
For the Nets, acquiring Mann’s three-year, $15.5 million annual contract costs them the 22nd draft pick, originally held by the Lakers before going to Atlanta via the Dejounte Murray trade. Brooklyn now holds five first-round selections on Wednesday: 8th, 19th, 22nd, 26th, and 27th picks.
The Hawks maintain significant salary flexibility for next summer by moving Mann’s contract. With Porzingis in his final year at $30 million, Trae Young having a player option, and Dyson Daniels eligible for an extension, Atlanta keeps its options open for roster restructuring.















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