NBA Transfer: why Porzingis missed the chance to play with Wembanyama on the Spurs
May 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8), and forward Jayson Tatum (0) and New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The story could have been quite different for Kristaps Porzingis. In an interview with Sporta Studija, the Latvian center revealed that he expected to join the San Antonio Spurs before ultimately being traded to the Atlanta Hawks. A revelation that hints at a fascinating alternative scenario with Victor Wembanyama.
« After the season, I talked to my agent and more or less expected that one or several of us would be traded. For a while, I thought I might end up with the Spurs, but then Atlanta came along – and it was a nice surprise. It was out of my control, » Porzingis shared.
The San Antonio Spurs have shown interest in Kristaps Porziņģis, per @JakeLFischer
« The Spurs, sources say, have held some exploratory talks about trading for the 7-foot-2 center. That would certainly be a fascinating outcome for Porziņģis if he were to land with the… pic.twitter.com/M7UVT9YMQQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2025
A Giant Duo Nearly Missed in San Antonio
Porzingis (7’2″) and Wembanyama would have formed an unprecedented frontcourt in the NBA. Complementary, they could alternate roles and impact both ends of the floor. Their duo promised strong defensive impact and effective spacing. With 19.5 points and over 40% from three-point range last season, Porzingis would have brought experience and versatility to the Spurs.
Sources close to the matter claim that San Antonio was leading negotiations before Atlanta got involved. Eventually, Boston sent Porzingis and a 2026 second-round pick to the Hawks. In return, the Celtics received Georges Niang, in a three-team trade that also included Brooklyn.
Porzingis sees this unexpected destination as an opportunity. « I think expectations are high. Atlanta has often been close to the playoffs, with some second-round appearances. It’s a very good situation for me. Maybe even better than in Boston, where it was championship or bust, » he stated.
At 29, the Latvian center joins a Hawks team rebuilding around Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher. NBA Champion in 2024 with Boston, he approaches this new challenge with determination, ready to handle different pressure. The Spurs will have to make do with Luke Kornet to support Wembanyama. The dream of a giant duo remains unfulfilled.
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