Based on his track record, Porzingis was truly a luxury for Boston, which had the depth to survive his absences the past two seasons. (Porzingis played just 57 games in 2023-24.) With the repeater tax kicking in, plus the limitations imposed by the second apron, Porzingis was expendable in pursuit of a more balanced cap sheet.

The Celtics made a Kristaps Porzingis trade with the Hawks that will likely alter their offseason plans as the draft approaches.

The Boston Celtics have made their second significant trade in as many days. Less than a day after sending Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, they have dealt Kristaps Porziņģis and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks.