The Atlanta Hawks have a deep roster of young talent and flexible contracts that make them a team to watch in trade discussions. Jalen Johnson is coming off an All-NBA season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker won the NBA's Most Improved Player Award, and Onyeka Okongwu is considered one of the league's most underrated centers. The team's recent form, however, has been challenging, losing their last five games including a 89-140 defeat to the New York Knicks on April 30, 2026.
Which Hawks players are the top trade assets?
Jalen Johnson leads the list as the Hawks' most valuable asset. His All-NBA caliber play and team-friendly contract make him nearly untouchable in most trade scenarios. Nickeil Alexander-Walker's Most Improved Player season significantly boosted his value. Dyson Daniels remains one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders, a skill always in high demand.
Onyeka Okongwu provides excellent value as a modern, switchable center. The Hawks also benefit from finally having control of their future draft picks. They owe the San Antonio Spurs a 2027 first-round pick from the Dejounte Murray trade, but after that, they own all their selections moving forward. You can track the team's roster moves on our [squad](/squad) page.
What contracts could the Hawks look to move?
Corey Kispert currently holds what might be the least desirable contract on the roster. He has two years and over $27 million guaranteed remaining. Atlanta might need to attach draft capital to move him, something the front office will likely resist. Kispert may not be part of the rotation this season.
Buddy Hield is overpaid at $9.6 million for this season. His contract is essentially expiring, as most of next year's salary is non-guaranteed. The Hawks could move him before the season, but the return would be minimal. Devin Carter, acquired from the Sacramento Kings with a second-round pick, is owed just over $5 million this season. His $7.4 million team option for next season must be decided by the end of October.
Ryan Nembhard impressed as an undrafted rookie last season. He's on a cheap, expiring $2.1 million deal. Like Carter, any trade return for Nembhard would be very small. The Hawks face a roster crunch and may need to make moves before the season begins.
How does the team's recent performance affect their strategy?
The Hawks' current situation is a mix of promise and urgency. Their 0-5 record in their last five games, culminating in that loss to the Knicks, highlights areas needing improvement. This recent slump could accelerate trade discussions as the team looks to reshape its roster.
Having a full allotment of draft picks after 2027 gives the Hawks long-term flexibility. They can package picks with players to acquire a star or use them to draft and develop more talent. The combination of young stars on good contracts and future draft capital creates multiple pathways for team president Landry Fields.
The key will be deciding which young players are part of the core moving forward. Johnson and Alexander-Walker seem locked in. Decisions on others will define the Hawks' trajectory. For the latest team statistics and standings, visit our [stats](/stats) and [standings](/standings) pages.
What is the outlook for Atlanta's trade deadline?
Expect the Hawks to be active listeners. Their collection of assets makes them a potential partner in any major deal. The expiring contracts of Hield and others could be used to match salaries in a larger trade. Kispert's contract remains the biggest obstacle to pure financial flexibility.
Rookie scale contracts for players like Zaccharie Risacher, acquired in the Lu Dort trade, add to the asset pool. The Hawks have the pieces to be aggressive if the right player becomes available. Their strategy likely involves consolidating some of their depth for a more impactful starter or star.
Everything points to a team positioned to make a significant move. Whether that happens before the season, at the trade deadline, or next summer will depend on the market. The Hawks have built a foundation of valuable trade chips, and now they must decide how to play them.
