The Atlanta Hawks officially acquired veteran center Kristaps Porzingis to team up with star guard Trae Young in a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics sent Porzingis as part of a salary-clearing deal that brought in Georges Niang and allowed Boston to avoid luxury tax penalties.
Porzingis’s two seasons in Boston were a mix of highs and lows, with both high-level impact and injury setbacks. He arrived in June 2023 and ultimately helped the Celtics to their 18th NBA title that same season. However, the big man endured health setbacks in his second year, as he was limited to just 42 games throughout the 2024-25 regular season, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks.
Shortly after the trade, Hawks star Trae Young took to X to welcome the 7-foot center. Porzingis responded to the post hours later with a message of his own:
“ð¤ @TheTraeYoung lets gooo,” hinting at positive synergy between the two stars.
Fans quickly voiced their reactions online. Hawks fans projected optimism with messages
“Let’s get this number 1 seed guys ð¥³ð¥³,” one fan wrote.
“We ready demon, let’s have a great and healthy year big bro,” another fan added.
“Let’s go KP ring #2 OTW ððð¥ð¥ð¥ð¥,” a third fan mentioned.
A skeptic brought up Porzingis’s past friction over playing styles—“Didn’t you hate playing with Luka? You’ll hate Trae,” the fan wrote.
One Celtics supporter also expressed gratitude to Porzingis—“Thank you for everything! ð«¡☘️”
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8)
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8)
© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Porzingis arrives in Atlanta with a reputation as a unicorn on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the defense, protect the rim and offer veteran leadership makes him a high-upside addition. If he stays healthy, his skill set could significantly elevate the Hawks’ ceiling and complement Young’s dynamic playmaking.
With both players publicly embracing one another, the new pairing could become a defining partnership in Atlanta’s push for contention.