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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 high fives Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis were teammates for only two seasons, but they made incredible history together with the Boston Celtics. Tatum made his thoughts on the star big man known on social media following the team’s major trade featuring Porzingis.
The Celtics traded Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Georges Niang and a second-round pick. The Brooklyn Nets also took part in the deal, acquiring Terance Mann and the 22nd overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft in the process.
This marks the end of Porzingis’ time in Boston after two years. He joined the organization after they landed him from the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal that saw veteran Celtic guard Marcus Smart go to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Porzingis played in 99 regular-season games throughout his stint, averaging 19.8 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. He shot 50.2% from the field, including 39.2% from beyond the arc, and 83.8% from the free-throw line.
The star big man had memorable moments, especially in the first quarter of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. He made multiple shots and blocks as he amazed the home crowd with his playmaking. Even though he underperformed in the 2025 postseason, the impact he had on the Celtics’ offense throughout his stint was undeniable.
Tatum sent a farewell message to Porzingis with a story post via Instagram. The photo he used showed the pair celebrating the title they won in 2024 after the Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in five games.
“Big fella! Never a doubt what you meant to this city and this team! thankful for you always champ! 🦄🦄🦄,” Tatum said.
Jayson Tatum says farewell to Kristaps Porzingis on Instagram:
“Big fella! Never a doubt what you meant to this city and this team! thankful for you always champ! 🦄🦄🦄”
Via (@jaytatum0)
CLNS ⚡️ by PrizePicks pic.twitter.com/GzoCITJFEP— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) June 25, 2025
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What’s Next For Jayson Tatum, Celtics
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 09: (L to R) Kristaps Porzingis #8, Jaylen Brown #7, Jayson Tatum #0, and Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics look on during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 09, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
It is brutal for Jayson Tatum and the Celtics to move on from Kristaps Porzingis. Boston proved themselves right with the trade during the 2023 offseason as the 2024 title marked their campaign a success.
However, next season will be a mystery for the Celtics. Tatum will be absent for most of the 2025-26 season as he rehabs a torn Achilles, which he suffered in Game 4 of the East Semifinals against the New York Knicks.
With Tatum out, it lowers the squad’s expectations. They can stay competitive as a playoff team, but it won’t be sufficient to be a title contender. On top of the financial restrictions the Celtics evaded from with the trade, they can make big changes to the roster without worrying about the second apron.
Speaking of which, they traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. It helped Boston free themselves from the second apron penalties, which will give them avenues they didn’t have before.
The Celtics will navigate Tatum’s recovery in a timely manner, making sure to not rush him back from injury. However, they need to revamp the team this summer to ensure they remain in the mix as a title contender for the next couple of years.
Richard Pereira Richard Pereira joined Heavy Sports in May 2025 as a Sports Writer. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school’s athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men’s basketball team’s journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist. More about Richard Pereira
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