The wave of major trade rumors is swelling, and the name Anthony Davis is once again heating up war rooms across the league. While the Boston Celtics are expected to be more active at the deadline, they’re unlikely to be the destination for AD. Instead, the spotlight turns to the Atlanta Hawks, and surprisingly, former Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis could be the crucial “key” to unlocking a negotiation with the Los Angeles Lakers for the superstar.
MassLive’s Brian Robb pegged Kristaps Porzingis as the Atlanta Hawks’ main piece in an Anthony Davis trade
Kristaps Porzingis’s Celtics tenure ended in disappointment due to a heart condition (POTS) that severely impacted his performance. He even described feeling during their playoff loss to the Knicks: “It hit me like a truck… my engine wasn’t running the way I wanted.”
Yet, that very situation makes him an ideal financial chess piece:
Expiring Contract: $30.7 million for 2025-26, allowing the Hawks to easily match salary in a mega-deal.
Still Productive: Despite health concerns, Porzingis is averaging an impressive 19+ points on 50% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Celtics’ move to offload Porzingis for tax relief may now be the exact lever the Hawks need to pull to acquire Anthony Davis at a potentially discounted price.
MassLive’s Brian Robb outlined an ambitious framework:
Atlanta Hawks send: Kristaps Porzingis, prized rookie Zaccharie Risacher (2024 No. 1 pick), rotational pieces (Alexander-Walker, Kennard…), and future first-round picks.
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Anthony Davis.
This package targets Lakers’ needs head-on: a large expiring contract (Porzingis), the draft’s most promising prospect (Risacher), and future assets to rebuild in the post-LeBron James era.
Atlanta’s motivation is clear: they desperately need a true superstar to pair with Trae Young. For all of Young’s brilliance, the Hawks lack a consistent “Batman” to his “Robin.”
A healthy Anthony Davis remains one of the most complete and impactful big men in the NBA.
Acquiring Davis could transform the Hawks from a middling playoff team into a serious Eastern Conference contender.
Despite an intriguing framework, significant hurdles remain:
The Health of Both Stars: The injury histories of both Davis and Porzingis make this a high-risk gamble for both franchises.
Lakers’ Reluctance: Would the Lakers truly part with AD—a recent championship cornerstone—for an uncertain future and an unreliable Porzingis?
The Value of Risacher: Are the Hawks truly ready to give up on the No. 1 overall pick before he’s had a chance to develop?
This potential trade is a testament to the complexities of the modern NBA: one team’s “burden” can become another’s “strategic asset.” Kristaps Porzingis, once a hope-turned-disappointment in Boston, now has a chance to redefine his career in the most unexpected way—by serving as the “launchpad” to bring Anthony Davis to Atlanta. It stands to be one of the boldest and most fascinating plays of this trade season, and its outcome could reshape the power structure in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.