Trae Young Sends Message on Teaming With Celtics Champion

Kristaps Porzingis, a key contributor to the Boston Celtics' 2024 NBA championship with his perimeter scoring, rim protection, and post play, has been traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal. The Celtics received Georges Niang and a second-round pick in return.

Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young expressed enthusiasm about Porzingis' arrival on his podcast, highlighting how Porzingis' floor-stretching ability will create driving lanes by forcing defenders away from the paint. Young emphasized that a healthy Porzingis elevates the team's potential and will make their on-court collaboration mutually beneficial.

Porzingis' trade stemmed from persistent injury concerns during his two seasons in Boston, particularly in the postseason, combined with the Celtics' desire to avoid the second luxury tax apron. He joins Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet as departures from the championship roster, with veteran Al Horford also likely leaving as an unrestricted free agent.

Celtics president Brad Stevens acknowledged the emotional difficulty of losing these players during a Summer League broadcast, praising their contributions and hinting at future tributes when they return to Boston. The exodus has significantly weakened the roster, leading to lowered expectations for the 2025-26 season.

Adding to Celtics fans' disappointment, former fan favorite and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart agreed to a contract buyout with Washington and plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers upon clearing waivers.

Amid these roster changes—partially triggered by Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury—the Celtics organization aims to rebuild quickly, targeting contention again by the 2026-27 season.