The NBA landscape shifted significantly on Tuesday as the Boston Celtics agreed to a three-team blockbuster trade sending forward-center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. The intricate deal, also involving the Brooklyn Nets, reshapes the rosters and financial outlook for all three franchises ahead of the upcoming league year.
According to league sources, the core components of the trade are:
Atlanta Hawks receive: Kristaps Porzingis and a future second-round draft pick (specific year TBD).
Brooklyn Nets receive: Guard Terance Mann and the No. 22 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft (originally held by the Lakers via the Pelicans).
- Boston Celtics receive: Forward Georges Niang and a future second-round draft pick (specific year TBD).
Beyond the main players, the deal also includes adjustments to future draft assets. The Celtics will acquire the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2031 second-round pick, which the Hawks previously controlled. In turn, Atlanta will receive Boston’s least favorable second-round selection in 2026.
Celtics Prioritize Financial Flexibility
This move marks the second major trade for the Celtics in under 24 hours, following their Monday night deal sending Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
The primary motivation for Boston appears to be significant luxury tax savings. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, these two recent transactions combined are projected to save the Celtics an estimated $180 million in luxury taxes off their initial projected payroll and tax bill exceeding $500 million next season. The deals position Boston below the crucial second luxury tax apron and potentially offer a path to avoid the luxury tax entirely this season.
Cost-cutting measures were widely anticipated for the Celtics this summer, particularly in the wake of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury during the second round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks. Furthermore, the team’s new ownership group is expected to finalize its purchase in the coming weeks, potentially influencing financial decisions.
Porzingis Heads to Atlanta
Kristaps Porzingis, 29, is coming off two productive seasons in Boston. Last season, he averaged over 19 points per game and shot a career-high 41.2% from three-point range. Assuming he’s recovered from the illness that affected him late in the season and during the playoffs, Porzingis is expected to bolster Atlanta’s frontcourt. He could slot in alongside promising young players like Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher.
From a financial standpoint, Porzingis is on an expiring $30 million contract, offering the Hawks potential long-term flexibility. The move also allows Atlanta to move off Terance Mann’s $15.5 million salary for the next three years, which could create significant salary cap space for the summer of 2025. This timing coincides with potential future decisions regarding All-Star guard Trae Young (who has a player option) and guard Dyson Daniels (last season’s Most Improved Player), who is eligible for an extension this summer.
Nets Accumulate Draft Capital
For the Brooklyn Nets, the cost of taking on Mann’s contract is securing the No. 22 overall pick from Atlanta. This acquisition significantly boosts Brooklyn’s draft capital. The Nets now hold a remarkable five first-round selections in Wednesday’s upcoming draft: Nos. 8, 19, 22, 26, and 27.
The Nets also maintain substantial salary cap space this summer. Because Brooklyn is utilizing cap space to facilitate this trade, the deal cannot be made official until the new NBA league year begins on July 6.
