It was no secret that the Boston Celtics were looking to shake things up this offseason and duck the dreaded second apron. In less than 24 hours, they have done just that by trading Jrue Holiday to the Blazers for Anfernee Simons and now, they have traded center Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks in a three-team deal that also included the Brooklyn Nets.
The Hawks add to their frontcourt with the addition of Porzingis and while he comes with injury risk, he is on a one-year deal, so Atlanta can cut its losses at the end of next year if it chooses.
The Nets, meanwhile, take on the albatross of the contract that Terrance Mann has, but the Hawks made it worth their while, as Brooklyn acquired the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft. After having zero firsts a year ago at this time, the Nets have five first-round picks in Wednesday’s draft (8, 19, 22, 26, and 27).
The Brooklyn Nets come out on top in this three-team deal
The Nets may have lost on lottery night, but now they essentially control the first round of the draft. With five first-round picks, Brooklyn is armed with assets to build a real young core.
The Nets could also move up in the draft and take a blue-chip prospect to lead their franchise. Dylan Harper may cost a lot to move up for, but Brooklyn can at least explore that avenue now with their five first-round picks and their future draft capital as well.
Harper is the exact kind of lead guard they are sorely lacking. The Nets can also stand pat and make all five picks or use their late firsts to acquire more future draft capital. Either way, Brooklyn just gained even more draft flexibility, which is key for a rebuild.
The Celtics duck the second apron, and the Hawks bolster the frontcourt
Porzingis was a key part of the Celtics' championship run in 2024, but he is coming off an injury-riddled season and is on an expiring $30 million deal. Given his injury history and the fact that he is entering his 30s, it was wise of Boston to cut ties with him now.
With the move, the Celtics also dodge the second apron and now have much-needed breathing room financially. Boston is also apparently receiving heavy interest in Jaylen Brown and Derrick White and are listening to offers. The Celtics can get big returns for both players and with Jayson Tatum likely shelved for all of next season, a retool wouldn’t be the worst idea.
The return for Porzingis is Niang and a second round pick. I get his injury history, but was this really the best Boston could get for their big man? Niang is a great floor spacer, but he is a negative asset defensively. Part of the Celtics’ identity is that end of the floor and Niang is on a one year deal, but you can’t help but wonder if Boston had better offers.
As for the Hawks, this all but signals the end of Clint Capela’s tenure with the team and Porzingis gives them a true floor spacer at the five, something they haven’t had for the last couple of seasons. He is also a stout rim protector and should thrive in the pick and pop with Trae Young.
The only issue with the move is that Atlanta now only has one first-round pick (Pick 13) in Wednesday’s draft. The Hawks do not control their first in 2026 or 2027, so having that extra pick appeased that loss. Moving off Mann does give them cap relief, but the cost to do so was steep.
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