The Celtics have had a busy offseason, and that’s unlikely to change.
Especially when you consider how many tribute videos Boston will need to produce in preparation for the 2025-26 season.
After an offseason which featured the trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as well as free agency departures of Luke Kornet and (presumably) Al Horford, there will be plenty of familiar faces in the visiting locker room at TD Garden this season.
With that, here are a handful of reunion games Green Teamers will want to circle on their calendars now that the 2025-26 NBA schedule has been released. (All games on NBC Sports Boston unless otherwise noted, and home games are listed in bold.)
Atlanta Hawks (Porzingis)
- Jan. 17, 2026: Celtics at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Jan. 28, 2026: Celtics vs. Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- March 27, 2026: Celtics vs. Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- March 30, 2026: Celtics at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Porzingis, who was traded to the Hawks in a three-team deal on June 24, was a fan-favorite during his two seasons in Boston. The 30-year-old big man played a pivotal role in helping the Celtics win their long-awaited Banner 18 so fans are sure to show their support when he steps on the parquet.
The first Boston-Atlanta matchup is on the road, but Porzingis will play at TD Garden twice in late January and late March.
Portland Trail Blazers (Holiday)
- Dec. 28: Celtics at Blazers, 6 p.m. ET
- Jan. 26, 2026: Celtics vs. Blazers, 8 p.m. ET
Holiday was the first member of the 2024 championship team to go when the veteran guard was dealt to Portland on June 23. Boston acquired Anfernee Simons in what ultimately was a 1-for-1 player swap, though the financial savings were the driving factor for president of basketball operations Brad Stevens.
Holiday will make his return to Boston two days before Porzingis in late January.
San Antonio Spurs (Kornet)
- Jan. 10, 2026: Celtics vs. Spurs, 8 p.m. ET
- March 10, 2026: Celtics at Spurs, 8 p.m. ET
Kornet agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs on June 30. Stevens hoped to retain the rim-running big man, but ultimately Boston couldn’t match the green.
Kornet was a favorite in the locker room and in the media during his three-plus seasons with the Celtics, and is sure to receive a warm welcome when he returns to TD Garden on Jan. 10.
Golden State Warriors (likely Horford)
- Feb. 19, 2026: Celtics at Warriors, 10 p.m. ET
- March 18, 2026: Celtics vs. Warriors, 7 p.m. ET
Horford hasn’t finalized any agreement, but rumors have linked the 39-year-old to Golden State since the start of NBA free agency six weeks ago. While Stevens hoped to re-sign the veteran big man, he admitted it was “unlikely” Horford returns.
It’s been reported Horford could consider retirement, but we’re going to pencil him in for a spot alongside superstar Steph Curry and a return to TD Garden in March.
Utah Jazz (Niang)
- Nov. 3: Celtics vs. Jazz, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Dec. 30: Celtics at Jazz, 9 p.m. ET
Who could forget the Georges Niang era, right? Boston acquired Niang and two second-round picks when Porzingis was traded to Atlanta. Niang, a Massachusetts native, was mentioned in trade speculation pretty much as soon as he arrived in Boston given the team’s financial standing.
The 32-year-old was traded to Danny Ainge’s Jazz six weeks later and the Celtics acquired rookie RJ Luis Jr.
… OK, so maybe not all who departed this offseason will receive highlight reels on the Jumbotron.
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