Hawks finalizing deal to acquire Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis

With the acquisition of Porzingis, a career 36.6% shooter from 3-point range, the Hawks gain size and another center who can stretch the floor.

Porzingis played a role in the Celtics’ championship run during the 2023-24 season.

This past season, Porzingis played 42 games, where he averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report the trade.

The acquisition of Porzingis opens up some future flexibility for the Hawks. The 7-foot-2 center comes to the Hawks with just one year remaining on a two-year deal he signed last summer. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season.

He also gives the Hawks depth at the five, with veteran centers Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. entering free agency.

The Hawks, who acquired Mann and Niang at the trade deadline in February, now move off Mann’s three-year $47 million extension. The 28-year-old averaged 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season.

The Nets will use their cap space to acquire Mann and the three teams won’t be able to finalize Tuesday’s trade until July 6 when each NBA team may officially begin signing free agents to contracts.

Niang, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, averaged 12.1 points, three rebounds and 1.6 assists with the Hawks. His 41.3% shooting from 3, as well as veteran leadership, gave the Hawks some energy off the bench in some key moments.

Following the trade, the Hawks still hold the No. 13 pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. But they have already begun to address some of their roster needs before they are even officially on the clock.