Celtics Facilitate Three-Team Trade, Sending Porzingis to Hawks

In a significant development in the NBA offseason, the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn Nets have finalized a three-team trade deal that will send center Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks, Terance Mann to the Nets, and Georges Niang to the Celtics. This trade, reported on June 24, 2025, marks the second major move for the Celtics within a 24-hour period, following their earlier trade of Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The trade is notable not only for the players involved but also for the financial implications for the Celtics. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the franchise stands to save approximately $180 million in luxury taxes, a crucial factor given their previously projected payroll exceeding $500 million next season. This summer's cost-cutting measures were anticipated following the injury to star player Jayson Tatum, who suffered an Achilles tear in the playoffs against the New York Knicks. The Celtics' new ownership is expected to take control of the team in the coming weeks, which adds another layer of urgency to their financial strategies.

The deal details reveal that the Celtics will receive a second-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers, which was previously held by the Hawks, alongside taking on the least favorable second-round pick from Atlanta in 2026. This strategic move enables Boston to position itself below the second luxury tax apron, potentially paving the way for the team to exit the luxury tax altogether this season.

Kristaps Porzingis, who has demonstrated considerable skill during his tenure with the Celtics, notably achieved a career-best 41.2% shooting rate from three-point range while averaging over 19 points per game last season. Assuming he overcomes health concerns that limited his play late in the season, Porzingis is expected to integrate well into the Hawks' frontcourt, joining players such as Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu. The Hawks are also looking to capitalize on potential salary cap space in the upcoming summer by offloading Mann’s $15.5 million contract, which extends for three years.

On the other side of the trade, the Brooklyn Nets gain the No. 22 pick in the draft, originally a Lakers selection that became part of Atlanta's roster through a prior trade involving Dejounte Murray. Brooklyn now possesses five first-round picks for the upcoming draft, including Nos. 8, 19, 22, 26, and 27, while still maintaining significant salary cap space for further transactions.

The NBA trade landscape continues to evolve, with each team strategizing to enhance their competitive edge. As the new league year approaches on July 6, the implications of this trade will be closely examined by analysts and fans alike, particularly regarding the future prospects of Porzingis in Atlanta and the Celtics' financial maneuvering under new ownership. This trade exemplifies the shifting dynamics within the NBA as teams position themselves for both immediate success and long-term viability.