Celtics trade Kristaps Porzingis to Hawks in a three-way deal

Boston Globe

6 hours ago

More importantly, Boston will slide under the second apron after shedding Porzingis's $30.8 million salary, easing what would have become significant roster building restrictions.
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With Jayson Tatum likely to miss all of next season because of an Achilles' injury he suffered last month, the Celtics will now open next season without at least three starters from their championship team two years ago.
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Boston made its first significant move Monday night, when it agreed to trade Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for 26-year-old shooting guard Anfernee Simons and a pair of future second-round picks, according to league sources.
Simons will make $27.7 million next season in the final year of a four-year, $100 million contract. Holiday, 35, inked a four-year, $135 million extension with the Celtics in April 2024 and will make $32.4 million next season.
They also freed up long-term money, with Simons on an expiring deal and Holiday under contract for three more seasons.
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A league source stressed late Monday night that the Celtics acquired Simons because they believe he can bolster the roster, but the source added that the team will 'remain engaged on all fronts' in the coming days and weeks. The Porzingis deal certainly reduces the chances that Boston will trade Simons, but it is still possible.
On Tuesday, Porzingis shared a brief health update on Instagram. He thanked supporters and added, 'I've been feeling excellent all offseason and looking forward to a healthy and strong European championship tournament with [the Latvian national team].'
Porzingis's expiring contract and his ability to help a team looking to make a title push were likely to make him an attractive option to potential suitors.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at