BREAKING: Celtics trade Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta Hawks

BREAKING: Boston, Atlanta and Brooklyn are finalizing a three-team trade that sends Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Hawks, Terance Mann and Atlanta's No. 22 pick to the Nets, and Georges Niang and a second-rounder to the Celtics. pic.twitter.com/1fcbIslyVF

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025

Well despite the Celtics saying they would only trade Porzingis for significant value in return, this trade ends up being nothing much more than a salary dump. With this trade and last night's Jrue Holiday deals the Celtics are now out of the 2nd Apron. Not by much, but they are out.

Problem is now they are also down three starters from their title winning team next year when you include Tatum and only have a few million to build a front court with.

If the Celtics decide to retain Niang they will be getting a 32 year old small forward who's nicknamed "The Minivan." Assuming the team doesn't go nuclear this summer and intends to still try and compete next season for a playoff spot, Niang will likely fill a role in the rotation off the bench. He's owed $8.2 million and in the last year of his contract, so don't be surprised if he's traded this offseason or before the trade deadline.

2025-26 current depth chart with about $5 million to spend:
Ball Handlers/Guards: White, Simons, Pritchard
Wings: Brown, Hauser, Scheierman, Niang
Bigs: Open tryouts on July 5th

— CelticsLife.com (@celticslife) June 24, 2025