The Atlanta Hawks continued to reshape their roster just one day after acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, making a significant trade during the NBA draft to balance immediate talent with future assets. This move underscores the team’s strategic approach to both the present lineup and upcoming seasons.
Besides acquiring Porzingis, the Hawks still hold a valuable $25 million trade exception that they chose not to use in that initial deal. This exception gives Atlanta flexibility to absorb a veteran player’s contract from another team, potentially strengthening the roster without sacrificing draft capital.
Remember when The Stein Line reported last week that the Hawks were determined to make use of their $25 million trade exception that still linger’s from last summer’s Dejounte Murray trade?
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer noted on Tuesday.
That doesn’t change with the Porziņģis trade.
Atlanta’s multitiered approach began with a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, which saw the Hawks send their No. 22 draft pick as part of the exchange to secure Porzingis. On draft night, Atlanta further maneuvered by moving down from the No. 13 pick to No. 23, trading with the New Orleans Pelicans.
In return for moving down ten spots, the Hawks gained an unprotected first-round pick in 2026—a valuable asset for long-term planning. This trade allowed Atlanta to remain active both on the court and in forthcoming drafts, strengthening their pipeline of talent.
The Atlanta Hawks are trading the No. 13 pick in the Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first round pick (most favorable of New Orleans and Milwaukee), sources tell ESPN,
ESPN’s Shams Charania noted on Wednesday.
Utilizing the No. 23 pick, Atlanta selected Asa Newell, a promising player and homegrown talent who recently starred at Georgia Bulldogs. This choice marks a return to his roots in Atlanta, blending local pride with professional opportunity. Meanwhile, New Orleans used the No. 13 pick acquired from the Hawks to draft Derik Queen from the Maryland Terrapins.
Although the Hawks moved down in position, they retained a solid prospect at Newell while securing a first-round pick in 2026, which analysts view as a smart blend of present value and future potential. Such strategic drafting could have long-lasting effects on the team’s competitive trajectory.
Insights on the Hawks’ Draft Night Strategy and Future Planning
Atlanta’s decision to swap picks and gain an extra first-round selection reflects a cautious but confident approach to rebuilding a competitive squad. The move to acquire Porzingis and then leverage draft assets highlights the front office’s intent to maximize both short- and long-term team strength.
Coach Quin Snyder’s recent presence on the sidelines, including moments like directing Garrison Mathews during free throws at the Target Center, signals the team’s focus on integrating new talent seamlessly into their system as they pursue playoff success. Having versatile players and future draft capital positions the Hawks well to adapt to evolving competition.
As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen how Atlanta will use their trade exception, but their recent activity shows they are poised to continue making calculated moves. The balance between acquiring established players like Kristaps Porzingis and investing in upcoming prospects through the draft could define the Hawks’ path forward in a fiercely competitive Eastern Conference.