After multiple years of clawing their way into the play-in to lose in the first round, the Hawks decided they needed new changes, both in the front office and on the upcoming roster. This offseason, they have arguably one of the best offseasons in the entire NBA. 

Change in the Front Office

The 2024-25 iteration of the Hawks never had a clear, consistent goal in mind. The young talent is there, but there is no clear direction emphasized by the front office, leading to a much-needed executive shakeup.

Landry Fields Era Comes to an End

After two years of Landry Fields being at the helm of the front office, the Hawks opted to move in a different direction. With the failed experiment of the Dejounte Murray-Trae Young backcourt and failing to properly surround Trae with shooting around him, the Hawks deemed it necessary for him to leave.

Despite his short tenure, he still provided some positive returns for this Hawks team. He drafted Zaccharie Risacher with the 2024 #1 overall pick, trading for Dyson Daniels, and extending Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson on team-friendly deals.

Onsi Saleh, Bryson Graham, and Peter Dinwiddie

Onsi Saleh was promoted as the new General Manager for the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks also brought in Bryson Graham of the New Orleans Pelicans as the team’s senior vice president of basketball operations and Peter Dinwiddie, a Philadelphia 76ers executive, as senior vice president of strategy and analytics.

New blood inserted into the office is always a good thing, especially for a Hawks team that has always been smack dab in the middle each year.

Commitment to Size & Shooting

With the front office change, a clear direction for the roster was emphasized — to surround their star, Trae Young, with size and shooting. 

Kristaps Porzingis (Trade)

Porzingis is the perfect center to match with Trae. A stretch five who can space the floor and protect the rim can create a multitude of opportunities for a pick-n-pop with Trae. The primary concern is his health issues, but we know what to expect from the unicorn, Porzingis, when he is healthy. He is a tried-and-true veteran, with playoff experience and a championship ring under his belt.

Porzingis is on an expiring contract ($30 million per year), which gives the Hawks cap flexibility since he is an unrestricted free agent the following year.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (FA Signing)

NAW has signed with the Hawks on a four-year, $62 million deal ($15.5 mil per year), plus a player option and trade kicker. 

NAW is a combo-guard who prides himself on defense. Furthermore, his offensive game has evolved since his rookie year, becoming a playmaker by cutting, slashing, or providing ample shooting opportunities. This is the type of player the Hawks need: a lengthy defensive wing who can shoot the 3-point well. NAW will help bolster the Hawks’ guard depth and will be valuable coming off the bench and as a pinch starter.

Luke Kennard (FA Signing)

Kennard signed a one-year, $11 million deal. He provides much-needed shooting coming off the bench, and will provide Trae another shooter he can kick out to.

Overall, the Hawks have made it clear what direction they want to focus on and are continuing a clear game plan, avoiding cap-space purgatory.