by Kristaps Porzingis is starting a new chapter with the Hawks following two memorable seasons with the Celtics.
Brad Stevens and the Celtics were forced to let go of several important players on their roster, most notably Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, as Boston faced a severe salary constraint due to growing luxury-tax penalties.
In a three-team trade that also featured the Nets, Porzingis, who was about to reach the final year of his contract with Boston in 2025–2026, was traded to Atlanta last month, which allowed the Celtics to free up some payroll.
In an interview with Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Porzingis discussed his feelings about his two-year stay with the Celtics following his role in Boston’s 2024 championship run.
Porzingis told Williams, “Last year, our season (with the Celtics) didn’t end the way we wanted to.” But, you know, this is the way it is. Naturally, we also anticipated that my entire team would undergo changes. Additionally, it’s usually great for players to have a somewhat longer summer than usual because the NBA season is difficult.
Additionally, I jumped in the middle of the season, which is obviously difficult. Having this time off to rest and prepare for a busy summer and then entering the next year is, all things considered, the ideal situation. And I am really, really looking forward to what lies ahead.
When he was on the field, Porzingis’ combination of post work, rim protection, and 3-point shooting made Boston a nightmare opponent and helped transform an already formidable Celtics club into a juggernaut.
However, during his brief tenure with Boston, Porzingis’ availability was a persistent problem.
Porzingis only appeared in seven of Boston’s 19 postseason games that spring despite the team winning a championship in 2024 because of calf and ankle problems that ultimately necessitated offseason surgery.
He played just 42 games in 2024–25 while recuperating from that ankle surgery, and a persistent sickness later made it difficult for him to play.
On average, he scored 19.5 points a game, made 41.2 percent of his three-point attempts, pulled down 7.8 rebounds, and blocked 1.5 blocks. However, his overall play suffered during the postseason when the symptoms of that disease reappeared.
Porzingis played an average of 21 minutes per game in 11 postseason games this spring, averaging 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 15.4 percent 3-point shooting.
Porzingis would have been a valuable addition to Boston in 2025–2026 despite those restrictions, particularly with Jayson Tatum recovering from an Achilles injury.
However, in order to reduce Boston’s luxury-tax violations, Stevens and his team had to make difficult decisions.
Stevens said of Porzingis on Tuesday, “KP fought some of the stuff, health-wise, in the last two years, but when he played, he was awfully good, and we think he’ll be awfully good for Atlanta this year.”Therefore, once more, those are difficult transactions to make. Those phone calls are difficult. Those men have obviously been in the league for a long time.
They were aware of the CBA and had previously been informed that they had a high chance of being involved in a relocation. However, being [traded] still presents challenges. We are grateful for them and shall miss them.
Porzingis should be in line for featured reps with Atlanta as the Celtics attempt to reorganize their roster while they await Tatum’s return. This might help him sign a big new contract the following offseason.
Porzingis stated, “I think I’ll fit right in here and add more diversity, maybe even more offense.” Furthermore, I believe that this already potent assault will have additional layers. However, I do believe we have the attacking capacity to be a formidable force.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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