Sep 24, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

Kristaps Porzingis Makes Bold Statement After Celtics-Hawks Trade

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 3:08 PM ET

Kristaps Porzingis had been an important players for the Boston Celtics in each of the previous two seasons.

The 2024 NBA Champion has now been traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

Via Hawks.com (on July 7): "The Atlanta Hawks have acquired forward/center Kristaps Porziņģis and a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Boston Celtics, in exchange for forward Georges Niang and a 2031 second-round draft pick (Cleveland’s own). Additionally, Atlanta has traded guard Terance Mann and the draft rights of Drake Powell, the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to the Brooklyn Nets, and Brooklyn traded cash considerations to Boston as part of the trade. "

KP IS AN ATLANTA HAWK!

Welcome to the ️, @kporzee! pic.twitter.com/UJ40qZcImg
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 7, 2025

Following the trade, the Hawks released an interview with Porzingis.

Porzingis: "I like the situation that we're in... This team has kind of been almost there, but can't really get over the hump to make like a deep run... I think this is a year that we can be like sneaky good and surprise people and get further than maybe expected."

"This is the year that we can be sneaky good and surprise people."

Watch our full exclusive interview with Kristaps Porziņģis ➡️ https://t.co/qbGAK3d6y9 pic.twitter.com/h4OsQkzogu
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 9, 2025