No Extension Between Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks Is Imminent
NBA star Kristaps Porziņģis is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks, who acquired the big man from the Boston Celtics.
However, Porziņģis told Fred Katz of The Athletic that an extension may not happen.
“I know that’s an option. I wanna see how the year goes,” Porziņģis said. “I wanna show that I’m playing at a high level again, that I’m healthy, that I’m everything, and then that kind of stuff will take care of itself, you know? We’ll see.
“I don’t wanna rush anything and say this or that, but I wanna take it one day at a time.”
Porziņģis will make $30.7 million this season in the final year of his contract. The 2024 NBA champion is feeling like himself again after dealing with an illness last season.
“I just didn’t have the engine that I usually have. … As soon as I got some rest and got back in shape with the national team, I’m feeling great,” Porziņģis said. “I feel awesome now.”
The Hawks are expected to make serious noise in the East this season with Porziņģis, Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels leading the way.
“I was really happy that I could end up in a place like this, playing with these young guys, playing with Trae, who’s one of the best passers in the league,” Porziņģis said. “It’s an exciting situation for me. … I’m very, very happy.”
Porziņģis appeared in 42 games for the Celtics last season. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 48.3% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 80.9% from the free-throw line.
A one-time All-Star, Porziņģis has played for the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards and Celtics. He has career averages of 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.8 blocks.
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