NFL
By: Jalen Willingham
The Atlanta Hawks are making bold moves to leave Play-In purgatory, overhauling the roster in hopes of returning to Eastern Conference relevance. After last season ending once again in the Play-In, along with a slew of injuries to big-name stars across the Eastern Conference, Atlanta has taken the opportunity to gear up and go full steam ahead for what could be a great season in 2026.
The Front Office Behind it All
The Hawks’ front office, now led by General Manager Onsi Saleh, has been more aggressive than Landry Fields ever was. In just a short period of time, Saleh has transformed the Hawks rotation and shaped a roster ready to seriously compete now.
Kristaps Porziņģis Trade: Stretch Big for Trae Young
The move that set everything off was trading for Kristaps Porziņģis. The move came as a surprise, with few expecting Porziņģis to land in Atlanta. In the full trade, Atlanta shipped away Georges Niang, Terrance Mann, and a second-round pick along with receiving a second-round pick in return. Trae Young finally gets a capable scoring center that is tall and can stretch the floor. Porziņģis won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season. The key with Porziņģis will always be staying healthy. Porziņģis only played 42 games last season and has played 60+ games just three times in his nine-year career so far.
Draft Day Strategy: Atlanta Bets on Asa Newell
Following the trade for Porziņģis, the Hawks set themselves up for success in the future in the NBA Draft. Atlanta traded back in this years draft with the New Orleans Pelicans to receive the 22nd Pick and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder as well.
Taking Asa Newell out of UGA 22nd overall, he should look to be a great piece for years to come. In his lone year with the Bulldogs, Newell averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1 steal. Newell was a former five-star prospect and the 19th ranked prospect from Montverde Academy in the class of 2024 according to 247 Sports.
In addition to taking UGA’s Asa Newell 22nd overall, Atlanta could potentially have a top 5 pick depending on how the Pelicans finish next season.
Wing Boost: Nickeil Alexander-Walker & Luke Kennard
After locking in a new starting center and rookie forward, the Hawks then acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade while sending a 2027 Cavaliers second rounder and cash to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game on 43.8% from the field, 38.1% from three, and 78.0% from the free throw line last season for the Timberwolves. Nickeil Alexander-Walker agreed to a four-year, $62 million deal which now keeps him in Atlanta through 2028.
And on Monday, Atlanta brought in sharpshooter Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million deal. Kennard is a career 43.8% three-point shooter throughout his eight year career
Trae Young as the Cornerstone
Now going into year eight, Trae Young has continued to be the focal point and franchise player for the Atlanta Hawks. It’s been long speculated and discussed that Young isn’t good enough to lead a team as the first option even after the Conference Finals appearance in 2021. His defense and efficiency has always been criticized. This offseason could turn out to prove many doubters wrong. The moves that Atlanta has made are tailored to helping Trae Young be successful on both ends of the court. Young has had his hand in grabbing multiple players this offseason.
Future Possibilities
Here’s how the Hawks look as of today:
- PG: Trae Young, Kobe Bufkin, Vit Krejci
- SG: Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Daeqwon Plowden
- SF: Zaccharie Risacher, Luke Kennard
- PF: Jalen Johnson, Asa Newell, Mouhamed Gueye
- C: Kristaps Porziņģis, Onyeka Okongwu
This is the most exciting roster the Hawks have posted in a very long time. Atlanta has the potential to go very far this season. Like last year, staying healthy and avoiding injuries will be huge. With a reloaded roster and the East wide open, the Hawks’ time might finally be now. But can this new core stay healthy and elevate Trae Young, or will it be another season of what-ifs?
