The Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks in the offseason, and it was a massive win as he lasted just seven months in Atlanta. KP appeared in just 17 games wearing a Hawks uniform, where he played the fewest minutes per contest of his career. It was a disastrous tenure, and Atlanta only received two players who were outside Golden State’s nightly rotation in return for the Unicorn.
The Celtics traded Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to save millions of dollars. They went from over the second apron to under the luxury tax line (subscription required) in a matter of months. It was a bold move that hasn’t hurt Boston. They sit second in the East and will be a serious threat to win the championship if Jayson Tatum returns.
The Celtics fleeced the Hawks by dumping Kristaps Porzingis contract on them. The 7’3 big man barely played in Atlanta, and all the Hawks could get in return was an injured Jonathan Kuminga and a struggling Buddy Hield. It wasn’t like they got draft capital in the original trade. Boston saved money, and the Hawks wanted KP. It just didn’t work in Atlanta.
Celtics absolutely fleeced the Hawks in the Kristaps Porzingis trade
Many fans were questioning Brad Stevens in the offseason, but the lead decision-maker was quickly vindicated. Boston tore down their frontcourt. Porzingis was traded before Al Horford and Luke Kornet walked in free agency. The Celtics proved it wasn't a problem. Neemias Queta stepped up, and the franchise has figured it out behind him.
The Warriors were happy to dump Kuminga and couldn’t find minutes for Buddy Hield. They think Porzingis can be a game-changer, but it all hinges on his health. Celtics fans saw firsthand how frustrating it can be. Porzingis wants to play, but his body doesn’t always allow it happen.
The Celtics traded KP and a 2026 second-round pick to the Hawks for Georges Niang, a 2031 second-round pick, and cash. Niang was waived before playing a game in Boston. This deal was all about saving money and getting the franchise out of the dreaded second apron.
The Cs did not want to be caught paying Porzingis $30.7 million this season. If he plays in every single one of remaining Warriors games this season, the Unicorn will appear in 44 of 82 contests. That is just over the 42 he played last year in Boston. The Celtics knew KP would miss significant time and wisely moved on. It was the Hawks that got caught holding the bag.
Porzingis is reunited with Al Horford as the frontcourt duo for the Warriors. Golden State is fighting to make the playoffs and needs the Unicorn healthy. Celtics fans will be watching closely, but nobody can expect him to play every night. Between injuries and illness, Porzingis will miss time.
The Boston Celtics fleeced the Hawks in the Kristaps Porzingis trade. It looks even worse for Atlanta after he played just 17 games in their uniform. KP is on the Warriors, and Boston got under the luxury tax. Everybody won, except the Hawks.