Celtics trade Kristaps Porzingis to Hawks in team strategy shift

In the United States, the Boston Celtics have made notable roster changes as of the summer of 2025. This includes the significant move of trading forward Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. This trade was part of a larger three-team deal aimed at restructuring the Celtics' salary cap situation. The goal of these trades has been to avoid exceeding the second luxury tax apron, a status that would impose severe restrictions on the team’s financial maneuvers, including limitations on trades and player acquisitions. The Celtics had previously acquired Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, but due to various injury concerns and a disappointing playoff performance earlier in the previous season, the decision was made to part ways for cap relief. The franchise's managing executive, Brad Stevens, traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday a few days prior, which similarly aimed at decreasing the team’s salary obligations. These moves are seen as strategic decisions in light of the uncertain competitive future of the team, particularly with star player Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire next season due to injury. The Celtics recognized that maintaining an excessive salary could limit future opportunities, especially if they aim to build a championship-caliber team around Tatum when he returns. Ultimately, by trading both Porzingis and Holiday, the Celtics have positioned themselves about $4.5 million below the second luxury tax apron. This decision enables more freedom in future trades and player signings, allowing Stevens to reconfigure the roster effectively in the coming seasons, which is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and structural flexibility in the years ahead.