The Atlanta Hawks completed a significant roster upgrade on Tuesday by acquiring veteran frontcourt star Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. This move aims to address the Hawks’ frontcourt concerns and boost their chances for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Alongside emerging talents Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks retain All-Star guard Trae Young as the centerpiece. Adding Porzingis’s championship experience strengthens Atlanta’s lineup, potentially ending their two-year playoff drought and positioning the team as strong postseason contenders next year.
Overview of Hawks’ Roster Improvements and Starting Lineup Projections
With the trade finalized, the Hawks’ projected starting five and key frontcourt rotation are shaping up as follows:
Center positions include Kristaps Porzingis and Onyeka Okongwu, while Clint Capela is expected to depart in free agency. This prompts the team to consider signing another center to fill the third-string role. At power forward, the hopeful rotation features Jalen Johnson, Mouhamed Gueye, and potentially free agents Larry Nance Jr. and Dominick Barlow.
For the wings, Zaccharie Risacher and Garrison Mathews remain, while Caris LeVert, also a free agent, adds scoring and playmaking depth. The backcourt features emerging guards Dyson Daniels and Vit Krejci alongside Trae Young and backup Kobe Bufkin, whose availability remains a question following last season’s shoulder surgery.
The team’s frontcourt depth now looks more secure, thanks to Porzingis joining forces with Okongwu. The Hawks will likely focus on re-signing key free agents Larry Nance Jr. and Caris LeVert this offseason.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype highlighted LeVert’s value to the Hawks, noting,
“After acquiring LeVert in a trade before the deadline, Hawks coach Quin Snyder valued his impact in the locker room, secondary playmaking ability, and scoring, including 14.9 points on 48.2 percent shooting from the field in 26.6 minutes,”
—Michael Scotto, HoopsHype
One critical priority for Atlanta is finding a reliable backup point guard to support Trae Young, especially since Kobe Bufkin played only ten games last season due to a season-ending shoulder injury.
The Hawks hold the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, which provides an opportunity to add a young facilitator. Prior mock drafts suggested they should prioritize acquiring a big man, but the Porzingis trade could shift these plans significantly.
Trae Young’s Perspective on Team Changes and Challenges
As the Hawks adjust to new roster dynamics, Trae Young remains a central figure guiding the team‘s ambitions for a stronger playoff run. The recent addition of Porzingis signals the franchise’s commitment to competing at a higher level, especially after missing the postseason for two years.
Young’s leadership and chemistry with the young core, reinforced by veterans, will be essential as Atlanta navigates the offseason hurdles, including free agency decisions and draft preparations. The integration of Porzingis’s skills alongside promising players like Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson could redefine the Hawks’ identity in the 2025-26 campaign.