Kristaps Porzingis is settling into his new role with the Atlanta Hawks after being traded in a surprising offseason move. The veteran big man, fresh off winning the 2024 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, was part of a significant three-team deal finalized on July 7, 2025, that sent him to Atlanta amid an aggressive roster overhaul by the Hawks. This trade marked the end of Porzingis’ brief but influential time with Boston.
The deal involved the Celtics sending Porzingis to the Hawks, with Georges Niang moving to Boston, and Terance Mann along with Drake Powell heading to Brooklyn. The Latvian center had expected a trade but was caught off guard by his destination, initially believing that the San Antonio Spurs would be his new team before the Hawks entered the picture.
Porzingis Reacts to Unexpected Destination and New Opportunities
Porzingis expressed genuine surprise about landing in Atlanta rather than San Antonio. Reflecting on the experience, he said,
“After the season, I spoke to my agent and kind of expected that one or more of us would be traded,”
Kristaps said.
“For a while, I thought I might end up with the Spurs, but then Atlanta came in—and that was a nice surprise. It was out of my hands.”
Adding to the intrigue, social media shared reactions to the sudden change, highlighting Porzingis’s initial belief about the Spurs trade, as noted by a tweet from Legion Hoops.
Kristaps Porzingis thought he was being traded to the Spurs before he was informed he was headed to Atlanta, per @AmicoHoops. Imagine… pic.twitter.com/gnVLUgpTOT
—Legion Hoops
Throughout last season, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds, entering the final year of his contract with an annual salary of $30.7 million. Joining Atlanta, he will play alongside star guard Trae Young, promising young player Jalen Johnson, and other new additions, aiming to help the Hawks break their streak of first-round playoff exits.
Porzingis Sees Strong Potential with Atlanta Hawks’ Evolving Lineup
With the Hawks aiming for a deep playoff push in the 2025-26 season, Porzingis has expressed optimism about his fit on the team. He believes the competitive environment in Atlanta suits him better than his previous championship-focused experience with Boston. Speaking on expectations, Porzingis remarked,
“I think expectations are high. Atlanta’s been on the edge of the playoffs the last few years, sometimes getting through the first round,”
Porzingis said.
“It’s a great situation for me to come in and contribute. Maybe even better than Boston, where it was championship or bust.”
The Hawks have also bolstered their roster by adding veterans like Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, alongside young talent, enhancing their depth and playoff aspirations.
Looking Ahead: Hawks’ Ambitions and Porzingis’ Role
Porzingis’s arrival signals the Hawks’ willingness to take bold steps toward reestablishing themselves as playoff contenders after consecutive early postseason exits. His experience from Boston’s title run and his productive skill set could be pivotal in helping Atlanta advance further in the playoffs. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how well Porzingis integrates with Trae Young and the Hawks’ roster to fulfill their collective aspirations.