Kristaps Porzingis rules out re-signing with Atlanta Hawks this summer: "I want to see how the year goes"

Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis is currently eligible to sign a contract extension after being traded this summer, but he is in no rush to do so. In an interview with Fred Katz (The Athletic), the Latvian player explained that his priority is to prove on the court that he is still in top form before making any long-term decisions.

"I know the option exists," Porzingis said about a possible extension. "I want to see how the year goes. I want to show that I can play at a high level again, that I am healthy, that I am good. All of that will be resolved over time. I don't want to rush or say anything right now. I prefer to take it day by day."

Porzingis will earn around $30.7 million in the 2025/26 season, the final year of the two-season, $60 million contract he signed with the Boston Celtics in 2023, right after being traded there. However, unlike at that time, neither the player nor the Hawks are in a hurry to agree on an extension following the trade.

His statements indicate that he is comfortable waiting, and there also doesn't seem to be immediate pressure from the Atlanta office to close a deal. In fact, the team has not shown great urgency to extend Trae Young either, who could enter the player option year in 2026/27.

With new General Manager Onsi Saleh at the helm, everything points to the front office adopting a strategy of observation and evaluation, waiting to see how the new pieces fit before committing to significant salary extensions.

A Fresh Start in Atlanta

Porzingis expressed excitement about the revamped roster of the Hawks and the opportunity to play alongside Young. "I was really happy to end up in a place like this, with young players and with Trae, who is one of the best passers in the league," he said. "It's a very exciting situation for me... I am very, very happy."

During his time in Boston last season, the Latvian averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of 48.3% from the field, 41.2% from three-point range, and 80.9% from the free-throw line. However, he only played in 42 games due to various health issues, including an illness that affected his performance during the latter half of the season and the playoffs.

In the postseason, his numbers dropped to 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20.9 minutes, with a modest 31.6% field goal percentage. Nevertheless, Porzingis assured that those difficulties are now a thing of the past: "I just didn't have the energy I usually have," he explained. "But after resting and training with the Latvian national team, I feel great. I am in top form now."

Players with multiple years on their contracts who can sign extensions have until this Monday to do so, but since Porzingis is in the final year of his deal, the Hawks can negotiate with him until June 30, 2026. The same would apply to Trae Young, provided he chooses to decline his player option for the 2026/27 season.

This provides the franchise with the opportunity to calmly assess its future core during the season and, if everything aligns, finalize extensions later to keep their stars away from the free agent market.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kristaps Porzingis descarta renovar con Atlanta Hawks este verano: "Quiero ver cómo va el año"