Forever in my heart - Porzingis sends emotional message to Celtics fans after Hawks trade

Kristaps Porzingis, a key contributor to the Boston Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship, will not return to the team next season, according to NBA expert Shams Charania.

Charania detailed a three-team trade involving Boston, Atlanta, and Brooklyn:

"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 and a second-rounder to the Celtics."

Porzingis shared an emotional farewell on X: "Boston will always be special in my heart. Huge thank you to the organization, coaches, staff, my teammates and the fans! Class organization. Forever grateful."

The trade was reportedly driven by Boston’s need to stay below the NBA’s second apron and avoid hefty tax penalties.

Porzingis was set to earn $30,731,707 for the 2025–2026 season, while Niang’s salary for the same period is $8.2 million.