Who Won? The Porzingis Trade, Celtics’ Silent Masterstroke, and the Hawks’ Quiet Gamble

The Trade That Didn’t Make Headlines

It happened in under 24 hours. No fanfare. No press conference. Just two quiet transactions—Celtics shed Kristaps Porzingis, the man who once guarded their paint like a cathedral, for \(170M in luxury tax savings. They got Nunn—a 30% three-point shooter with six seasons of elite floor spacing—and two second-round picks. Meanwhile, Atlanta took Tim Mann’s expiring \)4.7M deal, traded him for a first-rounder (No. 22), then added Porzingis like an old ghost returning.

The Illness Beneath the Stats

Porzingis didn’t break down—he vanished during playoffs like a virus that never left his body. In 65 games last year? He played 7. In his prime? He averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 boards, and blocked shots at levels that made defenders flinch. But health isn’t a line item on a spreadsheet—it’s faith in motion.

Who Really Won?

The Celtics saved $238M total cap space and acquired assets that fit their timeline: Nunn’s shooting range is now their new language of rhythm; Porzingis was always meant to be more than stats—he was texture in motion.

The Hawks got Mann—a journeyman with mid-tier numbers—and Porzingis’s defensive DNA: he doesn’t need to score to matter—he just needs to stand between you and the rim.

I’m not saying it was genius. I’m saying it was necessary.

In Brooklyn alleyways where I grew up, they don’t trade stars—they trade silence. And sometimes… silence is what wins.