The Boston Celtics are trading center Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team swap that also includes the Brooklyn Nets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Atlanta is sending Terance Mann and the 22nd overall pick to Brooklyn, while Boston will receive Georges Niang and a second-round selection.
The Celtics have moved out of the NBA salary cap’s second apron after trading Porzingis on Tuesday, a day after sending guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers. Boston saved a projected $180 million in tax penalties after dealing both players, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
The Hawks will take on Porzingis’ $30.7-million salary for the 2025-2026 campaign, and the 29-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, per Marks. Niang also becomes a free agent at the end of next season, while Mann is owed $15.5 million in each of the next three campaigns.
Brooklyn added to the team’s massive haul of selections ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday. The Nets now own a staggering five first-round picks with the No. 8, 19, 22, 26, and 27th choices.
Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season with the Celtics. The 2015 first-round pick is joining his fifth team after beginning his career with the New York Knicks and making stops with the Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, and Celtics.
The 7-foot-2, 240-pound Porzingis will now be part of a nucleus in Atlanta that features Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher.
Niang joins Boston’s frontcourt after posting 12.1 points and three rebounds per contest with the Hawks. Atlanta originally acquired the 32-year-old in a trade alongside Caris LeVert from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for De’Andre Hunter.