Kristaps Porziņģis “Very Happy” with Hawks Entering Contract Year

The Atlanta Hawks aren’t in a rush to make long-term commitments — and neither is Kristaps Porzingis.

The 7-foot-3 forward is entering a prove-it year with his new team, and while he’s eligible for a contract extension, he’s not pressing for one just yet.

“I know that’s an option. I wanna see how the year goes,” Porzingis told The Athletic. “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.”

Porzingis, who turned 30 in August, was acquired by Atlanta in a July trade as part of the team’s offseason reset. He’s set to earn $30.7 million in 2025–26, and an extension could start north of $43 million per year. But for now, he’s content to bet on himself.

“I don’t wanna rush anything and say this or that, but I wanna take it one day at a time,” he added.

A Chance to Rebuild His Reputation

This season represents a critical stretch for Porzingis, who’s trying to reclaim the form that once made him an All-Star. After a strong stint in Washington that saw him average 23.2 points per game, injuries and inconsistency derailed his time in Boston.

In the Celtics’ 2023 title run, he was mostly a nonfactor — appearing in just seven postseason games and averaging 12.3 points and 4.4 rebounds. Last season wasn’t much better. He managed only 7.7 points per game on 31.6 percent shooting across 11 playoff appearances, hampered by a lingering illness that sapped his energy.

Now healthy, Porzingis gets a fresh start in Atlanta — a team still searching for its next true identity. The Hawks haven’t returned to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2021, and their front office has spent the past year walking the line between rebuilding and contending.

A New Dynamic with Trae Young

For all of Trae Young’s brilliance as a passer, the Hawks have rarely surrounded him with big men who space the floor. Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu have been reliable rim runners, but not perimeter threats. Outside of John Collins — who had three seasons shooting over 36 percent from deep — Atlanta has lacked consistent shooting at the power forward or center spot.

That’s where Porzingis changes everything.

He’s a career 37 percent three-point shooter on high volume, averaging roughly seven attempts per game. His ability to pick and pop gives Young something he’s never consistently had — a stretch big who can punish defenses for collapsing on drives.

The fit extends beyond just spacing. Porzingis’ presence allows the Hawks to explore five-out sets with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (36 percent career 3PT) and Luke Kennard (44 percent career 3PT), both added this summer to boost the team’s offensive efficiency.

“I was really happy that I could end up in a place like this,” Porzingis said. “Playing with these young guys, playing with Trae, who’s one of the best passers in the league. It’s an exciting situation for me. … I’m very, very happy.”

Balancing Present and Future

The Hawks’ front office is juggling multiple extension situations beyond Porzingis. Reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels could hit restricted free agency next summer if he doesn’t agree to a deal by Oct. 21. And four-time All-Star Trae Young, entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, will soon face his own decision about his long-term future in Atlanta.

Given those moving parts, the team’s patience makes sense — and Porzingis seems aligned with that approach. He doesn’t need to rush into another commitment.

If he stays healthy and returns to form, the Hawks will have a frontcourt weapon few teams can match. If not, both sides will have the flexibility to adjust course.

Either way, Porzingis’ focus is simple: prove he’s still the kind of player who commands that kind of commitment.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

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