Celtics, Hawks, Nets Finalize Three-Team Trade: Who Won the Deal?

By Edcel Panganiban July 08, 2025 21:14

The Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn Nets recently finalized a high-profile three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis from Boston to Atlanta, Terance Mann from Atlanta to Brooklyn, and Georges Niang from Atlanta to Boston. This multifaceted deal, completed just ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, has significant implications for all three franchises and the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.

At the center of the trade is Kristaps Porzingis, who joins the Hawks along with a second-round draft pick. Porzingis, a 7-foot-2 forward/center, averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season but has struggled with injuries throughout his career, playing fewer than 60 games in six of the past seven seasons. Despite his health concerns, Porzingis offers Atlanta a rare combination of size, perimeter shooting (41.2% from three last season), and rim protection. This move also reunites him with Trae Young, who is recovering from injury, giving the Hawks a potentially dynamic frontcourt duo. Atlanta’s front office faces a key decision on whether to extend Porzingis beyond his expiring $30.7 million contract, a choice that will reveal their long-term strategy.

The Brooklyn Nets receive guard/forward Terance Mann and the Hawks’ No. 22 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Mann, known for his defensive versatility and steady scoring, averaged 12.4 points and 4.3 rebounds last season. Adding Mann and an additional first-round pick gives Brooklyn increased flexibility as they continue to rebuild. With five first-round picks now in hand, the Nets hold nearly 17% of the draft, positioning themselves well for future trades or talent acquisition.

For the Boston Celtics, the trade is as much about financial flexibility as roster construction. Boston acquires forward Georges Niang and a second-round pick while shedding Porzingis’s hefty salary. Niang, a reliable role player known for his shooting and basketball IQ, averaged 9.1 points on 40.5% three-point shooting last season. More importantly, the trade helps the Celtics save an estimated $180 million in luxury tax liabilities when combined with their recent trade of Jrue Holiday. This financial relief is critical for Boston, especially after star Jayson Tatum suffered a significant Achilles injury in the playoffs. The Celtics now sit below the NBA’s second luxury tax apron, giving them more maneuverability in free agency and trades.

Who won the deal?

Atlanta Hawks: They took a calculated risk acquiring Porzingis, betting on his health and fit alongside Trae Young. If Porzingis can stay healthy and produce, the Hawks gain a much-needed interior presence and shooting threat that could elevate them in the competitive East. However, the risk is significant given his injury history and the looming contract decision.
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets clearly benefit by stockpiling draft capital and adding a versatile wing in Mann. This trade aligns with their long-term rebuild and gives them assets to either develop or trade for established talent.
Boston Celtics: The Celtics arguably come out best in terms of financial strategy. By offloading Porzingis’s contract and acquiring Niang’s expiring deal, Boston gains salary cap flexibility crucial for navigating the post-Tatum injury landscape. While losing Porzingis’s size is a blow, the Celtics’ front office prioritized financial health and roster flexibility over short-term gains.

Boston’s GM Brad Stevens summarized the approach succinctly: “This trade was about positioning our team for sustained success. We’re managing the cap carefully while keeping competitive pieces in place.” With Tatum sidelined, Boston’s ability to pivot quickly is essential, and this trade reflects that pragmatic mindset.

The three-team trade reshapes each team’s trajectory. Atlanta bets on upside and star power with Porzingis, Brooklyn deepens its rebuild with draft assets and a reliable wing, and Boston gains crucial financial breathing room to retool around its core. While the Hawks’ gamble carries the most risk, Boston’s savvy cap management and Brooklyn’s draft haul make this a well-balanced deal with potential long-term benefits for all involved.