The deal also shifted attention away from Green, who had been mentioned frequently in discussions surrounding a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Still, Green addressed the Porzingis trade following Golden State’s 101–97 comeback win over the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center on Thursday night.

Speaking with reporters, via NBC Sports Bay Area & California, the veteran forward made his feelings clear about the addition. “I like it, adding more size, more rim protection, more shooting. Porzingis, you switch guards on him, he really punishes them. He was the missing piece to a Boston championship,” Green said.

From a basketball standpoint, the trade fits the Warriors’ structure well. Green continues to anchor the defense and facilitate ball movement on offense, while Porzingis adds rim protection and floor spacing, which the team has not consistently had since its 2022 NBA championship run.

The qualities that will elevate the team

Green also explained how playing alongside another true rim protector could enhance his own defensive impact. That element could prove crucial for the Warriors, especially with the need for stability in the frontcourt alongside veterans like Al Horford and depth options such as Quentin Post.

“For me personally, I love when there’s another rim protector on the floor. It unlocks everything I can do defensively. If you just take off, you break the scheme. With another rim protector, you can take those chances,” Green said.

Still, the biggest question surrounding Porzingis remains his health. He has played in just 17 games this season and has not appeared since January 7, a reality that weighs heavily when projecting his long-term impact with the Golden State Warriors.

Porzingis’ numbers

Before being sidelined, Porzingis averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game. His ability to stretch the floor forces defenders out of the paint and could open valuable space for Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ perimeter attack.

Kuminga’s situation had lingered since the offseason, when no resolution was reached despite clear internal tension. His role became a sensitive issue within the roster, and head coach Steve Kerr faced a difficult balancing act between development and winning, a challenge that ultimately proved unsustainable.

Kerr finally addressed the situation publicly on ESPN, offering a candid assessment of why the relationship reached a breaking point. “He needed the runway to make more mistakes… It was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes. For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that.”

Kuminga’s departure became inevitable, and Buddy Hield also paid the price in the process, a loss the Warriors are expected to feel. On the other side of the deal, Golden State hoped to get Porzingis back healthy and productive for the stretch run. He had not played since Jan. 7, but team sources indicated Porzingis was expected to return shortly after joining the Warriors. Golden State sat at 27-24, eighth in the Western Conference at the time.

The other move the Warriors made

The Warriors also traded backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2026 second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The move left Quentin Post as the primary alternative at center, with veteran Al Horford also available, though his minutes were expected to be managed carefully.

The Warriors’ new plan

Golden State previously explored a potential move for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those talks did not materialize, and the Greek Freak remained with Milwaukee. However, the Warriors were not done planning for the future and already had an offseason strategy in place.

A recent report from The Athletic’s Nick Friedell outlined Golden State’s flexibility once the summer arrived for the NBA. “The good news for Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is that roster limits are much looser in the summer,” Friedell wrote. “He could add more money in the short term in an attempt to make a deal happen.”

“Separately, if the Warriors wait until after the draft in June, they could potentially include their 2026 pick and their 2027 first-round picks to give the Bucks more assets in the short term.”

In short, Golden State appeared prepared to join the list of contenders expected to pursue Antetokounmpo in the offseason. For now, the Warriors remained focused on salvaging the current campaign, with Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis positioned as the pillars of their late-season push.

The Bulls have had a solid start to the 2025–26 season, winning their first two games of the year. While the organization remains in a transition phase focused on developing its young core, the early results have been promising. A key part of that growth is Josh Giddey, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal during the preseason and has quickly become one of Chicago’s most important players.

The Hawks, meanwhile, have started the season 1–2 and are still working to find chemistry with their new additions. Health has also been an issue, as they’ve been without several key starters over the past two games.

This offseason, Atlanta built one of the NBA’s most intriguing lineups by adding Kristaps Porzingis. However, the 7-foot-2 forward-center has already missed the last two games and could be sidelined again as he continues to recover.

Will Josh Giddey play for the Bulls vs Hawks?

The Bulls released their official injury report, listing Giddey as questionable ahead of Monday’s game against the Hawks with a right finger sprain. According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Giddey did not finish Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, sitting out the final four minutes and 27 seconds, though it’s unclear if the injury was the reason.

Giddey has been outstanding to start the season, leading Chicago’s offense as a versatile playmaker. Across the first two wins against the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, he has averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, showing his growing importance in Billy Donovan’s rotation.

Will Kristaps Porzingis play for the Hawks vs Bulls?

The Hawks have listed Kristaps Porzingis (flu-like symptoms), Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain), and Zaccharie Risacher (right ankle sprain) as questionable for Monday’s game — putting three of their key starters at risk of missing time.

For now, Porzingis remains a game-time decision. The Latvian big man needs to stay healthy for Atlanta to reach its full potential, but his recent medical history raises concern. Last season, Porzingis dealt with multiple injuries and was later diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that impacted his availability late in the year.

The Hawks’ big man is officially ruled out (flu-like symptoms) for tonight’s game, having been absent from the recent win against the Magic. Porzingis was available for the season-opening 138-118 loss to the Raptors, where he managed 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Following that harsh defeat to start the year, the Hawks desperately needed a victory in Orlando, and they managed to secure it despite missing two starters: Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher (right ankle sprain), who has been ruled out of tonight’s contest. Additionally, Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain) is also ruled out according to the NBA injury report.

Onyeka Okongwu is poised to take Porzingis’ place after delivering strong performances in the first two games. Okongwu posted 18 points and six rebounds in the season opener and followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the win over the Magic.

OKC dealing with multiple absences

Despite the fact that the reigning champions enter this contest with a 2-0 record, both of their victories required overtime efforts and came with a roster already dealing with multiple injuries. For tonight’s game, the Thunder are dealing with several absences: Alex Caruso remains out while in concussion protocol, and Isaiah Joe is out (left knee contusion).

Furthermore, they will be without Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, Thomas Sorber, and Nikola Topic—all sidelined for some time as they recover from offseason surgeries.

The positive news for the visiting team is that Chet Holmgren has been reported as available to play, alongside Cason Wallace, who missed the Thunder’s last victory against the Pacers.

Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis, now the centerpiece of the Hawks, spoke to the media about Latvia’s upcoming clashes against Turkey and Serbia. In particular, he highlighted Alperen Sengun and Nikola Jokic as key challenges while stressing the importance of these early games in the group stage.

“Jokic… This guy is probably No. 1 in the world. This is my opinion. It’s going to be a tough, tough challenge for us. We still have Turkey and Estonia first, and then Serbia. We have a little bit of time. We aren’t focused on Serbia yet, but we’re going to have our hands full,” Porzingis said when asked about facing Jokic and Serbia.

Porzingis and Jokic entered the NBA just one year apart, with Jokic debuting in 2014 and Porzingis arriving in 2015. Since then, the two have built a strong rivalry. Nearly a decade of competing against Jokic and other NBA stars gives Porzingis’ perspective on who is the best in the world added weight.

Over the years, they have squared off 14 times in the NBA, though never in the Playoffs. Jokic has come out on top in 10 of those meetings, while Porzingis has claimed victory in four. In those games, Jokic averaged 24.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, while Porzingis posted 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

One area where Porzingis has held an edge is rim protection. He has averaged 1.5 blocks per contest compared to Jokic’s 0.4 in head-to-head matchups. On the international stage, Serbia has won four of its last five meetings against Latvia, which underscores the uphill battle Latvia faces.

Right now, Jokic is considered by many to be the best player in the world. If he isn’t, then he is right alongside names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even veterans like LeBron James and Stephen Curry continue to prove, despite their age, why they are still regarded as two of the greatest players of their generation.

This blockbuster trade presents a fresh opportunity for Porzingis. The Latvian standout has established himself as one of the most influential European players in the NBA. With the Hawks, Porzingis aims to fill crucial roles that could bolster star player Trae Young and elevate the team’s performance.

As he transitions to his new team, Porzingis took a moment to express his gratitude to the Celtics’ fan base. In a heartfelt message, he emphasized how honored he felt wearing Boston’s jersey over the past two seasons.

“Boston will always hold a special place in my heart. Huge thank you to the organization, coaches, staff, my teammates, and the fans. Class organization. Forever grateful,” Porzingis shared on his social media account following the trade announcement by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Porzingis in three-team trade

The Celtics have emerged as key players in a blockbuster trade involving the Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets. According to Charania, the Celtics have agreed to a deal that will see them exchange positions in the 2025 NBA Draft while several players, including Terance Mann and Georges Niang, will be swapping teams.

“Boston, Atlanta, and Brooklyn are finalizing a three-team trade that sends Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Hawks, Terance Mann and Atlanta’s No. 22 pick to the Nets, and Georges Niang along with a second-rounder to the Celtics,” Charania reported on his social media platform.

Porzingis’ impact with the Celtics

Porzingis has been a significant contributor since joining the Boston Celtics in the 2023-2024 NBA season. Just finishing his last season with the team (2024-2025), Porzingis played a pivotal role, although the Celtics fell short in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. His presence on the court has undoubtedly made a notable impact on the Celtics’ performance and aspirations.

These are Porzingis’ stats with the Celtics:

• Regular Season (2023-2024 & 2024-2025 Combined – approximately):
  • Games Played: 119 games
  • Points Per Game (PPG): 19.8 PPG
  • Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 7.0 RPG
  • Assists Per Game (APG): 2.0 APG
  • Blocks Per Game (BPG): 1.8 BPG
  • Steals Per Game (SPG): 0.7 SPG
  • Field Goal Percentage (FG%): High 40s to low 50s (e.g., 49.8% – 51.5%), showing efficient scoring for a big man.
  • 3-Point Percentage (3P%): Mid to high 30s (e.g., 37.0% – 38.5%), which is excellent for a player of his size and a key part of the Celtics’ spacing.
  • Free Throw Percentage (FT%): High 80s (e.g., 86.0% – 87.5%)

Porzingis logged just 14 minutes before exiting the game, continuing a troubling trend after playing limited minutes in Game 1 due to illness. Although he came off the bench in Game 2, the Latvian big man never looked like himself.

Speaking postgame, Porzingis offered a grim update on his condition. “I’m just not feeling my best. I’m not feeling my best at all,” he said. “It just kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment.”

Porzingis’ limited availability has hurt Boston on both ends of the floor. His absence has given Karl-Anthony Towns more freedom in the paint, while Jalen Brunson has repeatedly found openings to drive for layups. The Celtics have struggled to match New York’s interior presence, particularly in the rebounding battle and rim protection.

Celtics offense falters down the stretch

Boston’s offense, usually one of the most efficient in the league—especially from three-point range—has collapsed late in both games of the series. The Celtics, who typically thrive from deep, have fallen short of expectations from the field in Games 1 and 2.

According to ESPN’s Zach Kram, Boston shot just 36% from the field and a dismal 25% from beyond the arc (10-for-40) in Game 2. Game 1 saw similar inefficiency. Star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for just nine points in the fourth quarter on Wednesday, a period that proved costly once again.

The Celtics were outscored 23–6 over the final 8:30 of Game 2 and made just one of their final 15 field goal attempts. Boston is now shooting a combined 4-for-26 from three in the fourth quarters of the series so far.

Jaylen Brown: “We’re beating ourselves”

Jaylen Brown, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, didn’t sugarcoat the team’s shortcomings. “(It’s) a bunch of stuff that we can control,” Brown told ESPN. “I feel like we played a little bit fast and sped up—a little antsy. Just… it’s a rough night.”

With the series shifting to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4, the Celtics face a daunting challenge—and they’ll need both better execution and a healthier Porzingis to turn things around.

Boston, looking to defend its NBA title, will host Game 1 against the Knicks at TD Garden on Monday. Speaking to the Boston Herald’s Zach Cox, Brown addressed the weight of the moment and the history behind the rivalry.

“It’s a great stage for basketball, just all the history between Boston and New York,” Brown said. “It’s great to be able to relive that. Boston versus New York—it don’t get much better than that.” For Porzingis, the series marks his first playoff matchup against the team that drafted him fourth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

“Even between the fanbases,” Porzingis added, “it’s going to be a war.” The matchup has all the ingredients for a classic: iconic cities, passionate supporters, star power, and contrasting playing styles. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about two franchises with deep roots in the culture of the league.

Jaylen Brown reflects on Orlando series: “It was a fight”

Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown didn’t hold back when describing the challenge Orlando posed in the first round. While Boston closed the series in five games, Brown made it clear the Magic tested them physically and mentally from start to finish.

“It was a fight. It was a fight physically, mentally [with] Orlando,” Brown said. “Shout out to them. One team had to advance. Fortunately, it was us. But respect to Orlando.” His comments reflect a deep appreciation for how competitive the Magic were, despite their inexperience.

The Magic earned that respect, showing resilience and tenacity throughout the series. Much of their success came from the growing chemistry between young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Their connection fuels optimism in Orlando, and it’s clear the NBA franchise now has a promising foundation. With more roster help, they could be a force in the near future.

Brooks was the game’s leading scorer, posting a season-high 36 points while setting a career-high with 10 made three-pointers on 15 attempts. Thompson was equally impactful, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, including the clutch shot that secured Houston’s win.

After the game, Brooks didn’t hold back when asked about Porzingis, offering a pointed remark about the Celtics’ star big man. “I like playing against bigs that are slow,” Brooks said, per Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Brooks’ comments came after a standout individual performance, with Porzingis often assigned to guard him throughout the night.

Mazzulla takes responsibility for defensive struggles

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla came under fire for his defensive matchups, which saw Jrue Holiday tasked with defending Alperen Sengun while Porzingis was frequently matched up against Brooks. Mazzulla acknowledged his mistakes after the game.

“Those were my fault,” Mazzulla said. “It didn’t put us in the best matchups. I saw the play that they were trying to run. I tried to change the matchups”. Despite the adjustments, the Rockets exploited the mismatches, leaving the Celtics struggling to contain Houston’s dynamic offense.

Tatum and Brown react to Brooks’ career night

Brooks’ incredible shooting performance didn’t just surprise the Rockets—it caught the attention of Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as well. “Nobody would’ve expected Dillon Brooks to hit 10 threes,” Brown said after the game. “So, I think you live with it. … Credit to Houston: The people we wanted to make beat us, beat us tonight”.

Tatum echoed Brown’s sentiments, adding: “Congratulations to them. Dillon Brooks had 10 three-pointers, a franchise record. We didn’t expect that to happen. You want to adjust and try to make things tough on them, but I don’t know. He hit 10 3s tonight”.

Amen Thompson shines with game-winner

Thompson, emerging as one of the Rockets’ standout players this season, sealed the victory with the first game-winning shot of his career. Reflecting on the moment, Thompson likened himself to an NBA legend. “It’s my first game-winner. I feel like Kobe,” Thompson said in his post-game interview.

Following Boston’s commanding 122-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night, Porzingis reflected on the team’s mentality and the challenges of maintaining consistency throughout the grind of an 82-game schedule.

“We were a lion last season, and some games this year we’ve looked like a house cat,” Porzingis said. “We want to have that spirit as a team this year, and it’s tough. Obviously, we can’t trick ourselves and make it like it’s playoffs every game.”

Acknowledging the natural ebbs and flows of a long season, Porzingis added: “It’s tough, just human nature. But we know the group that we have, and we know that we’re going to bring it to the big games, but we need to bring it consistently and keep building on top of good wins like tonight.”

The challenges of sustained excellence

Porzingis also touched on a broader issue facing championship teams—maintaining peak performance across a grueling regular season, especially under the weight of high expectations from fans and the league.

Despite boasting an impressive 32-14 record, Boston’s recent form has exposed vulnerabilities. Over their last 20 games, the Celtics have gone 11-9, including a 6-4 mark in their last 10. This inconsistency raises questions about whether they can sustain the dominance required for another title push.

Porzingis has been a bright spot, delivering stellar performances in recent weeks. Over his last 10 games, the versatile center has averaged 19.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting an eye-popping 47.3% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor offensively while anchoring Boston’s defense has significantly bolstered the Celtics’ lineup.

Leadership as the foundation for consistency

One way Boston can overcome its challenges is by leaning on its core leaders. Stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis must not only produce on the court but also set the standard for effort and focus during the regular NBA season grind.

Tatum, an MVP frontrunner, serves as the team’s emotional leader, while Brown’s two-way play provides a consistent spark. Porzingis, meanwhile, has added a new dimension to Boston’s game with his unique combination of size, shooting, and defensive prowess.

The Celtics can take a page from perennial contenders like the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, who have built success on the back of mental toughness, disciplined preparation, and adaptable game plans. Boston’s deep roster and championship pedigree position them well to replicate those approaches.

In an interview with SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell, Porzingis revealed the team had a pivotal meeting ahead of one of their toughest road trips this season. “We had a good meeting before this trip, a little bit like a looking-in-the-mirror type of meeting,” Porzingis shared. “We discussed where we can improve and do better because teams are obviously coming for us, and some of them are playing their best basketball against us. We’re making small adjustments to keep improving as a team and not just keep playing the same way.”

The Celtics started 2025 strong, going 2-0 with a gritty road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and a decisive 109-86 victory against the 22-12 Houston Rockets. Porzingis, who hadn’t played since their Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, made his return against Houston, contributing 11 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. He noted the team’s cohesion in the second half of the game. “I felt in the second half, stuff was clicking for us,” Porzingis said. “From the small sample size we have, we’re looking pretty good.”

Boston’s defensive prowess was on full display against the Rockets, holding them to just 30 points and a single assist in the second half, further cementing their reputation as one of the league’s most formidable teams on both ends of the floor.

Jason Tatum: The catalyst for Celtics’ excellence

At the heart of Boston’s title defense is Jayson Tatum, whose leadership has been pivotal in steering the team through challenges and setting a championship-caliber tone. Averaging over 30 points per game, Tatum’s offensive brilliance is matched by his defensive impact, where his length and versatility make him a game-changing presence.

Tatum’s influence extends beyond the stat sheet. His ability to elevate his teammates and set a standard for accountability has been key to the Celtics’ continued success. Kristaps Porzingis has proven to be a vital complement to Tatum, providing inside scoring and rim protection, while seamlessly integrating into Boston’s system. Their partnership has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.

As the Celtics pursue back-to-back championships, Tatum and his teammates remain committed to growth. For Boston, it’s not just about winning—it’s about evolving, adapting, and reinforcing their identity as one of the NBA’s premier franchises. With Tatum leading the charge, the Celtics are not just defending their title; they are striving to redefine what it means to be champions.