The Boston Celtics have made significant trades this offseason, parting ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, both pivotal in their run to the 18th title. These moves were primarily driven by a desire to get under the NBA's second tax apron, a reflection of the current financial landscape in the league. While the Celtics are reportedly pleased with their new acquisitions, there is a somber mood within the organization over the departure of two high-character players who contributed immensely to their success.

Celtics fans have expressed mixed feelings on social media, acknowledging the business nature of the decisions while mourning the loss of beloved players. The sentiment is echoed by some insiders who believe the recent changes signal a business-first approach in the NBA, driven by the complexities of the current CBA. Despite the challenges, Boston is not finished yet, with more trades potentially on the horizon.

In a significant move, the Boston Celtics have traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that also includes the Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics offload Porzingis' hefty $30.7 million salary while acquiring sharpshooter Georges Niang and a second-round pick. This trade aligns with Boston's strategy to enhance financial flexibility as they navigate the luxury tax landscape, especially with Jayson Tatum facing recovery from injury.

The Hawks, looking to bolster their frontcourt, will benefit from Porzingis’ scoring and rim protection, provided he can stay healthy. With this trade, they gain a potent pick-and-pop partner for Trae Young. Meanwhile, Brooklyn secures a more robust draft arsenal by acquiring Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick in the 2025 draft, reinforcing their rebuilding efforts.

The Atlanta Hawks made a significant move by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade that also involved the Brooklyn Nets. This deal sees the Hawks sending out guard Terance Mann and their 2025 draft pick, while Boston brings in Georges Niang and a second-round selection. Porzingis, a former champion, has faced injury issues during his time in Boston but aims to help the Hawks elevate their performance in a competitive Eastern Conference.

The Hawks have managed to preserve a $25.2 million traded player exception from a prior deal, allowing them to continue reshaping their roster around key players like Trae Young and Dyson Daniels. With Porzingis potentially stepping into a starting role, the Hawks may look to shake up their lineup further, possibly affecting other players like Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. The implications of this trade could be substantial, contingent on Porzingis' ability to maintain health and impact on the court.

In a whirlwind of trades following the NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly avoided a potentially detrimental acquisition by not securing Kristaps Porzingis, who was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Porzingis, a former All-Star, has proven to be an effective player, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season. Yet, his injury history raises concerns, having played only 42 games last year and missing an entire season due to an ACL tear in 2018.

While the Lakers showed interest, their decision to step back might prove wise given Porzingis' fragility. Relying on another injury-prone player alongside Anthony Davis could have exacerbated the challenges in maintaining a healthy roster, especially after their experiences with previous injury setbacks. The risk-to-reward ratio simply did not favor such a move.

The Boston Celtics are gearing up for a transformative 2025-26 season after clinching the NBA Finals in 2024. The team faces uncertainty as Jayson Tatum is recovering from an Achilles tear, prompting Jaylen Brown to step up as the primary option. Recent trades have seen Jrue Holiday moved to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, and Kristaps Porzingis dealt to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang, alongside second-round picks. These moves indicate General Manager Brad Stevens is eyeing a bold strategy, including potentially trading up in the upcoming NBA Draft to select promising point guard Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois, who showcased significant talent during his college tenure.