On the eve of the 2025 NBA Draft, a significant three-team trade reshaped the rosters and future plans of the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets. In this complex deal, Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick were sent to the Atlanta Hawks, Georges Niang and a second-round pick went to the Boston Celtics, and Terance Mann alongside the 22nd pick in the upcoming draft landed with the Brooklyn Nets.

For the Atlanta Hawks, this trade represents a major strategic move to bolster their frontcourt and add much-needed size. While gaining Porzingis addresses a key area of need, the trade meant sacrificing their 22nd overall pick, leaving them with only the No. 13 pick in the first round. Despite this change, Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh reiterated his consistent philosophy: to select the "best player available" regardless of position. Prior to the Porzingis acquisition, there was considerable speculation about the Hawks trading up into the top ten, with Duke center Khaman Maluach frequently mentioned as a target after reportedly working out with the team. However, losing the 22nd pick makes such a move more challenging without relinquishing a future first-round pick, which seems unlikely. The Hawks still require another center on their roster, especially given Porzingis's history of injuries and potential lack of availability. Finding a reliable third center to back up Onyeka Okongwu is crucial, though entrusting this role to a rookie might be a demanding ask. Should Maluach be off the board at pick 13, other potential center prospects like Derik Queen, Thomas Sorber, Danny Wolf, or Joan Beringer could be considered. Beyond centers, the Hawks could also look to add shooting, backcourt depth, or another wing, with players such as Collin Murray-Boyles, Carter Bryant, Cedric Coward, and Kasparas Jakucionis being possibilities. Trading down from the 13th pick also remains an option, as the Hawks, with 11 players on their roster post-trade, still have significant work to do.

For the Boston Celtics, the trade of Kristaps Porzingis, following the earlier trade of Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons, was primarily a vital financial maneuver aimed at getting under the second luxury tax apron. Both Porzingis and Holiday were integral to Boston's 2024 championship run, and their departures, while painful for fans, were deemed imperative by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens to navigate the stringent new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) restrictions. With star Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entirety of next season due to an Achilles rupture, the team's immediate championship contention was already uncertain. The combined impact of moving Holiday's remaining $104.4 million and Porzingis's $30.7 million for the 2025-26 season has brought the Celtics approximately $4.5 million under the second apron. Staying above this threshold for a second consecutive season would have triggered severe penalties, including a massive tax bill and additional restrictions such as inability to include cash in trades, limitations on using trade exceptions, restrictions on signing waived players above a certain salary, and their first-round pick potentially being moved to the end of the first round if they remain in the second apron for three out of five seasons. By successfully ducking the second apron, Stevens regains trade flexibility, allowing for aggregated player trades instead of being limited to 1-for-1 deals, and begins the process of "thawing out" their 2032 first-round pick, making it eligible for trade if they remain under the second apron for three of the next four seasons. This financial strategy, while unpopular with fans who prioritize winning, significantly reduces the team's projected tax bill, saving hundreds of millions of dollars. The return for Holiday, Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, was considered solid, while the return for Porzingis, Georges Niang and a second-round pick, was less exciting but achieved the primary goal of financial relief. Stevens' work is not complete, however. Free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet could push the Celtics back into the second apron if re-signed without further moves. Options include trading Sam Hauser, who is on a new $45 million extension, or flipping Simons or Niang. While rumors persist about "Godfather offers" for Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, a full rebuild is unlikely, but Stevens continues to explore all avenues to optimize the roster within the new financial realities.

Regarding Jrue Holiday, reports indicate he is "pissed" about being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, preferring to be on a sure-fire contender as his career winds down. Holiday, a two-time champion, will be 36 next season and entering his 17th year. His contract, with three years and $104.4 million remaining, presents a challenge for Portland, though they are expected to be professional if he remains. It's possible the Trail Blazers could redirect Holiday to another contender, similar to how they acquired him from the Bucks in 2023 and then sent him to Boston.