Atlanta Hawks Make Key Offseason Moves

Atlanta, GA, October 2, 2025

News Summary

The Atlanta Hawks have fortified their roster with strategic acquisitions during the offseason, including the trade for Kristaps Porzingis and signings of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. These moves signal a strong intent to compete in the Eastern Conference as training camp suggests that new players are adapting well. The potential of Jalen Johnson to become an All-Star, alongside promising contributions from rookies, indicates a significant shift in the team’s dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Hawks have made significant moves during the offseason that position them as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The team received positive recognition for these efforts, marking a departure from their usual narrative.

One of the most impactful transactions was a three-team trade that enabled the Hawks to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics. Additionally, the Hawks made waves during the free agency period by signing guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million contract and bringing sharpshooter Luke Kennard on board with a one-year, $11 million deal.

On draft night, the Hawks traded their No. 22 pick to the Nets as part of the trade for Porzingis and ended up with the No. 13 pick. Subsequently, the Hawks also made a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, moving from the No. 13 pick to the No. 23 pick, while receiving an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, which could potentially become a top-five selection.

As the Hawks gear up for the upcoming season, training camp has indicated that the new additions are adapting well to the team dynamics. Jalen Johnson, who suffered a shoulder injury last season, is back in action, looking to build on his prior performance where he averaged 18.9 points per game (PPG), 10.0 rebounds per game (RPG), and 5.0 assists per game (APG). Johnson is now viewed as a potential All-Star candidate, contingent on maintaining his health.

Rookie Zaccharie Risacher, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, has been praised for his skills by Porzingis, while Dyson Daniels emerged as the Most Improved Player and finished second in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. Porzingis himself, who faced health issues during the 2025 NBA playoffs, has shown marked improvement, recently participating in EuroBasket. He averaged 20.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 1.7 steals per game (SPG) during the tournament, with a standout performance of 34 points and 19 rebounds in one match.

As Porzingis enters his 30s, he has asserted that his “gas tank” is back to full capacity and his mindset is positive heading into the new season. The Hawks’ roster is now bolstered by key players including Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson. However, there is uncertainty regarding Porzingis’ starting role, especially with Clint Capela having departed in free agency, although Onyeka Okongwu showed promise in the previous season.

In a related move, the Celtics traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a salary-shedding strategy. Porzingis has expressed his excitement about starting fresh with the Hawks, believing that the team offers a better situation for his contributions as compared to his time in Boston.

Overall, the recent trades and acquisitions by the Hawks signal a potential shift in the power dynamics within the Eastern Conference, as they emerge as a stronger force in the upcoming season.

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Additional Resources

• Heavy: Kristaps Porzingis Opens Up About Health Issues
• Wikipedia: Kristaps Porziņģis
• SI: Three Reasons Atlanta Hawks Fans Should Be Optimistic
• Google Search: Atlanta Hawks 2025
• NBA: Hawks Acquire Kristaps Porzingis in 3-Team Trade
• Google Scholar: Kristaps Porzingis NBA Trade
• Patriot Ledger: Celtics and Hawks Trade Overview
• Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
• Basketball News: Kristaps Porzingis Traded to Hawks
• Google News: Kristaps Porzingis

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

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