Photo: Atlanta Hawks/YouTube

Atlanta Hawks forward Kristaps Porzingis may be planning to trade the hardwood for the cage once his basketball career ends.

Currently preparing for EuroBasket 2025 with the Latvian national team, Porzingis revealed that mixed martial arts is one of his biggest passions.

“MMA is a sport that is very close to my heart. Number one in terms of viewing. It is something that I am passionate about, which is why I decided to participate in a new MMA project,” Porzingis told Sporta Centrs.

The 7-foot-3 star added that the project is still in progress and more details will be shared later.

Porzingis said he has already tried MMA training but promised one of his former clubs that he would avoid participating during his basketball career.

“I am saving up to start an MMA career after the bass,” Porzingis said with a laugh, also mentioning that he has enjoyed tennis and padel tennis this summer.

The 30-year-old was traded to Atlanta in July as part of a three-team deal involving the Celtics and Nets.

In the 2024-25 season with Boston, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and shot 41.2% from three-point range before the trade.