Celtics Trade Porzingis to Hawks in Wild 3-Team Deal
Man, the NBA offseason just got spicy. Out of nowhere, the Celtics, Hawks, and Nets pulled off one of those trades that makes you go, “Wait, what?” Shams Charania broke the news—Porzingis to Atlanta, Terance Mann to Brooklyn, and Georges Niang landing in Boston. And honestly? This changes everything for all three teams. Let’s break it down.
Who Gets What: The Nitty-Gritty
The Players Switching Jerseys
- Celtics grab: Georges Niang (plus a sneaky-good second-rounder)
- Hawks snag: Kristaps Porzingis (and yeah, another second-round pick)
- Nets end up with: Terance Mann + the Hawks’ No. 22 pick this year
About Those Draft Picks…
Here’s the thing—Brooklyn getting that No. 22 pick is low-key smart. They’re either drafting some young talent or using it as trade bait later. Meanwhile, Boston and Atlanta are playing the long game with those extra second-rounders. Not flashy, but useful.
Why Boston Did This
Porzingis: Great When Healthy (Which Isn’t Always)
Look, KP balled out last season—20 points, 7 boards a game. But let’s be real: the guy’s medical chart is thicker than a Stephen King novel. The Celtics front office? They’re thinking two steps ahead. Freeing up flexibility, maybe saving cash for another move. Smart, but risky.
Niang: The Underrated Piece
Dude shoots 40% from three. FORTY. For a Celtics team that lives and dies by spacing? Perfect fit. He’s not gonna sell jerseys, but he’ll hit clutch corner threes when it matters. And that’s worth way more than people think.
Atlanta’s Big Gamble
Porzingis + Trae Young = Fireworks?
The Hawks have needed a legit big man since… forever. Now they’ve got a 7-footer who can drop 20 on your head and swat shots. If—and that’s a huge if—he stays healthy, this could be the move that gets them out of the play-in tournament.
The Contract Situation
Two years, $60 million? For a guy with Porzingis’ upside, that’s actually not bad. Atlanta’s not locked in long-term if it goes south. But man, if this works? The East just got way more interesting.
Brooklyn Playing Chess
Terance Mann: The Glue Guy
Mann’s the type of player contenders love. Doesn’t need the ball, defends like crazy, and makes winning plays. Brooklyn’s backcourt was a mess last year—this helps. Assuming Ben Simmons remembers how to play basketball, of course.
That Draft Pick Though
No. 22 isn’t sexy, but the Nets aren’t trying to win tomorrow. They’re collecting assets like Pokémon cards. Smart move for a team still figuring out its identity.
What the Experts Are Saying
The Hot Takes
“Hawks are swinging for the fences, but Boston might’ve quietly won this by getting deeper without touching their core,” says NBA analyst Brett Siegel. And you know what? He’s probably right.
Twitter’s losing it, as usual. Celtics fans are split—some crying over Porzingis, others loving the front office’s cold-blooded logic.
Trade Grades (Because Everyone Loves Grades)
- Celtics: B+ (lost star power but got smarter)
- Hawks: A- (high risk, higher reward)
- Nets: B (solid value play)
What Happens Next?
Celtics’ Next Move
Watch for Boston to hunt a backup guard—maybe someone like Delon Wright in free agency. With Tatum and Brown still in their prime, they’re not rebuilding. Just retooling on the fly.
Hawks and Nets: Two Different Paths
Atlanta’s all-in on making noise this year. Brooklyn? They’re playing the long game—accumulating pieces while they figure out their next big move.
Final Thoughts
This trade’s like ordering the spicy wings—could be amazing, could wreck your night. Celtics playing it safe, Hawks going bold, Nets staying patient. Who won? Ask me in April when we see if Porzingis’ knees held up. What do you think—genius moves or desperate gambles? Hit the comments!
Source: ESPN – News