Atlanta Hawks made a major pre-draft splash by acquiring 2024 NBA Champion Kristaps Porziņģis from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade that also involves the Brooklyn Nets, according to multiple reports. In a bold move that could reshape Atlanta’s frontcourt and playoff ambitions, the Hawks will receive the 7-foot-2 center along with a second-round pick. The deal, which is expected to be finalized when the new league year begins on July 6, sends a strong message: the Hawks are serious about retooling around their core and making a deeper run in the Eastern Conference.Hawks Receive:- Kristaps Porziņģis- Second-round pickCeltics Receive:- Georges Niang- Second-round pickNets Receive:- Terance Mann- 2025 first-round pick (No. 22 overall, via Atlanta)The trade was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.Porziņģis, 28, averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just 42 games for the Celtics last season. While he missed time late in the year and during the playoffs due to illness and injury, he played a pivotal role in Boston’s championship run — particularly early in the postseason. Now, he’ll bring his size, shooting range, and rim protection to a Hawks squad eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.His arrival could dramatically alter the Hawks’ frontcourt dynamics. Atlanta already boasts versatile forwards like Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, but the addition of a proven All-Star-caliber big man like Porziņģis raises the ceiling — and expectations — heading into next season.Porziņģis is entering the final year of his contract, worth $30.7 million. While that makes him an expiring piece, it also gives Atlanta flexibility should they choose to reshape the roster again next summer — or extend him long-term if the fit proves fruitful.This marks a significant shift in approach for the Hawks’ front office. With rumors swirling around Trae Young’s future and ongoing evaluations of the team’s young core, the acquisition of Porziņģis suggests Atlanta isn’t waiting for a slow rebuild — they’re making win-now moves.Meanwhile, the Celtics clear salary by moving Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday earlier this week, helping them dip under the punitive second tax apron while retooling around Jaylen Brown and (an injured) Jayson Tatum.As for the Nets, they continue to stockpile picks and young assets, now holding five first-round selections in Wednesday night’s NBA Draft, including the No. 22 pick originally held by Atlanta.The 2025 NBA Draft starts Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and the first round will be televised on WJCL 22.

ATLANTA —

Atlanta Hawks made a major pre-draft splash by acquiring 2024 NBA Champion Kristaps Porziņģis from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade that also involves the Brooklyn Nets, according to multiple reports. In a bold move that could reshape Atlanta’s frontcourt and playoff ambitions, the Hawks will receive the 7-foot-2 center along with a second-round pick.

The deal, which is expected to be finalized when the new league year begins on July 6, sends a strong message: the Hawks are serious about retooling around their core and making a deeper run in the Eastern Conference.

Hawks Receive:

– Kristaps Porziņģis

– Second-round pick

Celtics Receive:

– Georges Niang

– Second-round pick

Nets Receive:

– Terance Mann

– 2025 first-round pick (No. 22 overall, via Atlanta)

The trade was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Porziņģis, 28, averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just 42 games for the Celtics last season. While he missed time late in the year and during the playoffs due to illness and injury, he played a pivotal role in Boston’s championship run — particularly early in the postseason. Now, he’ll bring his size, shooting range, and rim protection to a Hawks squad eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.

His arrival could dramatically alter the Hawks’ frontcourt dynamics. Atlanta already boasts versatile forwards like Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, but the addition of a proven All-Star-caliber big man like Porziņģis raises the ceiling — and expectations — heading into next season.

Porziņģis is entering the final year of his contract, worth $30.7 million. While that makes him an expiring piece, it also gives Atlanta flexibility should they choose to reshape the roster again next summer — or extend him long-term if the fit proves fruitful.

This marks a significant shift in approach for the Hawks’ front office. With rumors swirling around Trae Young’s future and ongoing evaluations of the team’s young core, the acquisition of Porziņģis suggests Atlanta isn’t waiting for a slow rebuild — they’re making win-now moves.

Meanwhile, the Celtics clear salary by moving Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday earlier this week, helping them dip under the punitive second tax apron while retooling around Jaylen Brown and (an injured) Jayson Tatum.

As for the Nets, they continue to stockpile picks and young assets, now holding five first-round selections in Wednesday night’s NBA Draft, including the No. 22 pick originally held by Atlanta.

The 2025 NBA Draft starts Wednesday night at 8 p.m. and the first round will be televised on WJCL 22.