‘Forever Grateful’: Kristaps Porziņģis Sends Love to Celtics Fans After Trade to Hawks
In a move that has taken NBA fans by surprise, Kristaps Porziņģis has officially been traded from the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks. While the trade itself shocked many across the league, it was Porziņģis’ heartfelt farewell message to Celtics fans that truly touched the basketball world. The Latvian star took to social media to express his gratitude, reflecting on his journey with Boston and what the team and city meant to him.
pic credit: Fansided
The Trade That Shook the NBA
The NBA offseason is known for blockbuster trades, but few expected the Celtics to part ways with one of their key players so soon after a deep playoff run. In a multi-team deal finalized earlier this week, Porziņģis was sent to the Atlanta Hawks, signaling a significant roster reshuffle for both franchises.
The Celtics, aiming to reconfigure their lineup around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, made the bold move to offload Porziņģis in exchange for a mix of young talent and future assets. Meanwhile, the Hawks welcomed the 7-foot-3 big man as a crucial addition to complement stars like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
https://www.nba.com/news/hawks-acquire-kristaps-porzingis-3-team-trade
Porziņģis’ Message to Celtics Nation
Shortly after news of the trade broke, Porziņģis shared an emotional post on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Forever grateful for the love and support from Boston. This city embraced me, and I gave everything I had in return. Thank you to my teammates, the coaching staff, and the incredible fans. You made this chapter unforgettable.”
Fans immediately flooded his post with messages of support, appreciation, and heartbreak. Many expressed disappointment at seeing him leave, especially after such a strong season in which he played a vital role in the Celtics’ playoff success.
A Look Back at His Celtics Tenure
Though his stint with Boston was relatively short, Porziņģis made a lasting impact. Acquired in a three-team trade in 2023, he quickly adjusted to the Celtics’ system and became a dependable presence both offensively and defensively.
He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in the 2023-2024 season, proving to be a versatile weapon. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and knock down threes made him an ideal fit in Boston’s modern style of play.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla often praised Porziņģis for his professionalism, work ethic, and team-first attitude. It’s no surprise that his departure leaves a void, both in the locker room and in fans’ hearts.
pic credit: CBS Sport
What This Means for the Hawks
With the addition of Kristaps Porziņģis, the Atlanta Hawks gain a dynamic forward-center who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. His size, shooting ability, and playoff experience could be exactly what the Hawks need to elevate their status in the Eastern Conference.
The trade also indicates that Atlanta is going all-in on building a team around its young stars while adding veteran leadership and postseason poise. If Porziņģis stays healthy, this move could prove to be a game-changer.
pic credit: Pro football network
Fan Reactions and League Response
Celtics fans have been vocal on social media, many expressing shock and sadness, while others wished Porziņģis well in his new chapter. Hawks fans, on the other hand, are buzzing with excitement over what the “Unicorn” might bring to their squad.
NBA analysts also weighed in, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski calling the trade “unexpected but potentially smart for both sides.” The move certainly has shifted the Eastern Conference dynamics and set the stage for a highly anticipated 2025 season.
Final Thoughts
While trades are part of the business, it’s moments like these — heartfelt messages, mutual respect, and emotional goodbyes — that remind us of the human side of professional sports. Kristaps Porziņģis’ farewell to Boston is more than just a social media post; it’s a genuine expression of appreciation for a city and fanbase that welcomed him with open arms.
As he begins a new journey in Atlanta, Celtics fans will undoubtedly continue to cheer for him from a far. And as Porziņģis put it so simply yet powerfully: “Forever grateful.”
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