If trophies were given out in the offseason, then the Atlanta Hawks would be in the running for one. After firing general manager Landry Fields, and promoting Onsi Saleh to the same post, the Hawks have made some shrewd moves this summer.
They traded for Kristaps Porzingis to shore up their frontcourt rotation. Porzingis does have his injury issues, but he is on an expiring contract, and Atlanta got rid of Terance Mann’s albatross contract in the process.
In free agency, they added Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade to give them more wing depth. Alexander-Walker was one of the most coveted 3-and-D players on the open market. In the draft, they selected Asa Newell, adding to their young core.
The Hawks made these moves to add more size, defense, and athleticism next to Trae Young. Combine that with the return of Jalen Johnson, and the Hawks have set themselves up nicely to contend in the East next year.
Trae Young must deliver with the Hawks this season
Atlanta made all of these moves to build around Young and to give him one more look as their franchise player. Since that deep run in 2021, the Hawks have been in the play-in for four consecutive seasons, including not making the playoffs in each of the last two years.
Young has been the same player statistically, as he has consistently averaged 24 points per game, and around nine assists. In the last three seasons, he has averaged 10 or more assists per game, and he led the NBA in total assists this past season.
Atlanta’s season was derailed when Jalen Johnson went down with a shoulder injury, as he was playing at an All-Star level, and looked like the Hawks’ best player for stretches of the season. Young’s numbers looked about the same, but he averaged five turnovers per game and shot only 29 percent from three-point range in that stretch. Atlanta finished the year 18-19 after Johnson’s injury.
Young’s long-term future in Atlanta is on the line this year
Young is eligible for an extension this offseason, but most indications are that he and the Hawks will wait to discuss that matter. Young has shown that he can put up big numbers, but can he be a top option on a contender?
Additionally, Atlanta is gearing up to pay Johnson and Dyson Daniels big money. Daniels is coming off a career season, and is oozing with potential. This could give the Hawks three potential max players, if they decide to pay Young. In the second apron world that is now the NBA’s reality, that may not be plausible.
This year is a crucial one for Young and the Hawks. The East is as wide open as it has ever been. The Celtics are missing Jayson Tatum. The Pacers are missing Tyrese Haliburton. The Cavs, Knicks, and Magic all have their own questions to answer. If Young can’t lead Atlanta to a solid playoff run this season, then his future in the A will be one of the bigger headlines next summer.
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July 23, 2025 | 8:00 am
