In a significant move that reshapes their roster, 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 decision follows closely on the heels of the Celtics’ trade of point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, signaling a strategic shift for the team. According to multiple league sources, Boston will acquire veteran forward Georges Niang from the Hawks in the exchange.
The Celtics’ offseason has been anything but typical, especially after their 2024 NBA championship. Brad Stevens, the head of basketball operations, initially indicated a quiet summer, suggesting the team deserved a chance to defend their title. However, financial considerations have driven these recent trades. The Celtics were facing a combined salary and luxury tax bill of approximately $500 million for the next season, a figure that would have set a new NBA record. Thanks to these moves, they have managed to reduce this burden by about $220 million, according to CapSheets.com.
Financial Strategy and Roster Impact
By trading Porzingis, whose salary was $30.8 million, Boston has managed to slide under the second salary apron. This adjustment alleviates significant roster-building restrictions that the team would have faced, such as having a future first-round draft pick frozen, being unable to aggregate salaries in trades, and losing access to the mid-level exception. The financial flexibility gained is crucial as the Celtics navigate the complexities of NBA roster rules designed to promote parity across the league.
With star player Jayson Tatum expected to miss the next season due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics will begin the season without at least three starters from their championship lineup. This situation underscores the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge while adhering to financial constraints.
Georges Niang’s Role and the Three-Team Trade Dynamics
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 accuracy from beyond the arc, Niang’s addition is primarily a financial maneuver, as his $8.2 million salary is on an expiring contract. The trade was facilitated by the Nets, who absorbed the $22 million contract of Hawks guard Terance Mann, a Lowell native, thanks to their available salary cap space.
Brad Stevens, addressing the media after the Celtics’ playoff exit, hinted at the strategic recalibrations necessary for the team. “The [collective bargaining agreement] has been well-known for years. So there are penalties associated with being at certain levels, and we know that,” Stevens explained, emphasizing the need for careful financial planning.
Reflecting on Porzingis’s Boston Tenure
Porzingis, acquired by the Celtics in 2023 from the Wizards, quickly became a fan favorite at TD Garden. His performance during the championship season was notable, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. However, his tenure was marred by injuries, including a calf strain during the 2024 playoffs and a knee injury in the Finals. Despite these setbacks, Porzingis made a memorable impact, particularly during Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavericks.
On the day of the trade announcement, Porzingis shared a health update on Instagram, expressing optimism about his future and his participation in the upcoming European championship with the Latvian national team.
Looking Ahead: Celtics’ Future Moves
The Celtics are poised to create a substantial traded player exception with the Porzingis deal, potentially allowing them to acquire a player without matching salaries. However, this option depends on their ability to remain under the second apron. Currently, Boston is approximately $17 million above the $188 million luxury tax line, a position that could lead to severe repeater tax penalties if not addressed.
As league-wide free agency talks commence, the Celtics are expected to engage with their current free agents, including veteran big men Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Horford, at 39, has yet to announce his plans for the upcoming season, while Kornet’s impressive performance has attracted interest from teams seeking frontcourt enhancements. The Celtics hold Kornet’s “Bird Rights,” which could facilitate his re-signing.
Additionally, the Celtics hold the 28th and 32nd picks in the upcoming draft, with over 50 prospects having visited for workouts. These selections could play a vital role in the team’s roster reconstruction as they adapt to the evolving landscape of the NBA.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.
