The NBA trade rumors are swirling around a former Celtics star, but this time, it's not about his performance on the court. The health concerns of Kristaps Porzingis have become a pivotal factor in his career trajectory.
Former Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, now with the Hawks, has had a challenging start to the 2025-26 season. Acquired by Atlanta in an offseason trade with the Celtics, Porzingis has only managed to play in 13 games due to injury and illness. And now, his future with the Hawks is uncertain.
NBA insider Marc Stein's recent report on Substack suggests that Porzingis' $30.7 million expiring contract is expected to be a key component in any significant in-season trade by the Hawks. This news comes after the Hawks announced on December 14 that Porzingis would be sidelined for at least two more weeks due to an ongoing illness, which has kept him out of seven out of eight games.
In his last appearance on December 5, Porzingis came off the bench, a rare occurrence for the veteran who hasn't started a regular-season game since 2017. Despite this, he scored an impressive 25 points in 20 minutes during the loss to the Nuggets. When asked about his health, Porzingis revealed that his current illness is not related to the issues he faced last season in Boston, which is a positive sign.
But here's where it gets intriguing: The Hawks, currently holding a 15-12 record in the Eastern Conference, possess a wealth of young talent and future draft picks. If they aim to make a blockbuster trade for a high-profile player, Porzingis' salary could be a valuable asset to balance the financial scales.
The Hawks acquired Porzingis in a three-team trade last June, sending a future first-round pick and Terance Mann to Brooklyn, with Boston also involved. The Celtics will face their former teammate for the first time this season on January 17 in Atlanta, which promises to be an emotional reunion.
And this is the part most people miss: The Celtics' upcoming game against the Hawks could be more than just a regular-season matchup. It might be a preview of potential trade partners, with Porzingis' future hanging in the balance.
Is this a case of a team prioritizing long-term strategy over player health? Share your thoughts on this delicate situation in the comments below.
Brian Robb, a seasoned NBA writer, brings you the latest on the Celtics and the league. Stay tuned for more insights as the trade season heats up!
