Kristaps Porzingis says emotional goodbye to Boston after huge Celtics trade

The Boston Celtics traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade, and after the deal was done, the Latvian big man took to social media to say goodbye to the fanbase: “Boston will always be special in my heart. Huge thank you to the organization, coaches, staff, my teammates and the fans! Class organization. Forever grateful. ☘️”

Porzingis joined the organization in the summer of 2023, and though he dealt with some significant injuries along the way, he still played an important role in the Celtics hanging Banner 18. His play in the 2023 NBA Finals, especially on an injured foot, gave Boston the push it needed at the perfect time.

Now, he’ll join the Hawks in hopes of giving them a similar boost.

Why did Celtics trade Kristaps Porzingis?

The Celtics needed to clear up some cap space this summer. They were slated to be roughly $20 million above the second apron, and since they had been a second-apron team for two straight seasons, a third (in a five-year span) would come with some brutal, basketball-related penalties.

Trading Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons cleared up around $5 million, which gave them a solid start toward their goal of dipping under the second apron. The Porzingis trade just accomplished most of their goal.

Shipping out Porzingis ($30.7 million next year) and only getting Georges Niang ($8.2 million next year) back puts the Celtics fully under the second apron with a buffer of around $4.5 million.

That doesn’t leave them with a ton of wiggle room to re-sign Luke Kornet and Al Horford, but it provides them with far more flexibility to do so. They saved a ton of money in luxury taxes, and they could even get below the first apron if they wanted, too.

Unfortunately for Porzingis, trading him was simply the easiest way for the Celtics to save money.

What will Kristaps Porzingis do for Hawks?

Atlanta has put a group of elite defenders around Trae Young, and if Porzingis can stay healthy, he will only add to that core. Having the length of Porzingis, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jalen Johnson next to Young is incredible.

They have done an impressive job of trying to cover up for Young’s defensive weaknesses, and not only will Porzingis help with that, but he can give them an offensive boost, too.

His floor spacing next to Young will give the Hawks a look they haven’t had during his time running the point in Atlanta.