The Atlanta Hawks sit 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 17-20 record. They weathered the storm, and even thrived, without Trae Young, going 14-9 without their All-Star point guard. Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker surprised many people with their big leaps so far this season. However, Atlanta ran into a brick wall in the form of a seven-game losing streak from Dec. 18 to Dec. 29. It won just two of its last 10 games. Just a few short weeks ago, the Hawks looked like they were in a prime position to buy ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Their recent poor form could shift that position, as the NBA world shifts its focus to one of the most exciting stretches of the season.
Atlanta Hawks’ Approach to the 2026 Trade Deadline
Hawks Add Center Depth
If general manager Onsi Saleh wants to be aggressive, he must address Atlanta’s concerns at the small forward and center positions. While Kristaps Porziņģis and Zaccharie Risacher are more than capable starters, the Hawks lack depth behind them. As a result, head coach Quin Snyder has had to mix and match lineups, forcing some players to play outside of their optimal roles.
Porziņģis only played 15 of Atlanta’s first 37 games. Onyeka Okongwu took advantage with career-high numbers across the board, but the Hawks’ depth behind him is slim. N’Faly Dante suffered a season-ending torn ACL, meaning power forwards Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye had to cover center minutes. Their athleticism on the glass and helpside rim protection is best suited for the four rather than battling for position down low against much stronger centers. Atlanta should target more size and rim protection behind Okongwu if it wants to push for the playoffs.
Insiders already linked the Hawks and Dallas Mavericks in potential Anthony Davis trades, but another Mavericks’ big man could help Atlanta for a lower price. Dallas could be headed for a rebuild around rookie phenom Cooper Flagg and likely moves some of its veteran players before the deadline. Daniel Gafford signed a three-year, $54.4 million veteran extension from 2026-2028. With Porziņģis’ contract set to expire after this season, Gafford could serve as a reliable rim protector and rebounder behind Okongwu. Okongwu’s improved 3-point shooting also gives Atlanta the ability to play him at the four next to Gafford. The Hawks likely would not have to give up much to acquire the 6’10” center. Plus, he would be under contract through the 2028-2029 campaign.
Atlanta Could Sell And Make A Drastic Move
Young’s name has popped up in trade rumors for multiple seasons, but a deal never materialized. However, that could change if Atlanta decides to sell at the deadline due to its struggles. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Hawks might be open to trading their four-time All-Star more than they have ever been.
The Hawks are open to trading Trae Young, per @TheSteinLine
“There is a growing belief leaguewide that the Hawks are more open to trading him away than they’ve ever been, but what happens to their payroll if no such trade materializes and Young winds up exercising that option?… pic.twitter.com/luyc2XTxdQ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 29, 2025
Young has a $49.0 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. The 27-year-old averages 19.3 points per game- his lowest number since his rookie campaign. He has played just 10 games this season and struggled to find a rhythm. If the Hawks continue to struggle, they might move in a different direction and build around Johnson. With Young’s poor play, it could be difficult to receive adequate value back in a trade due to his contract. However, if they do not trade Young, and he declines his option, the Hawks could lose him for nothing. This situation will be interesting to monitor over the next month.
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