With training camps less than a month away, the Atlanta Hawks are focused on turning last season’s finish into something bigger in a crowded Eastern Conference. They brought back important pieces from last year’s roster, added three rookies in the draft, and made several moves to bring in Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Devin Carter, and Ryan Nembhard.
That’s the present. But it’s also not too soon to start thinking about the future, especially with Atlanta potentially positioned to have real cap flexibility next offseason.
How this season unfolds will shape the Hawks’ approach, but the early outlook suggests they could have enough room to chase a major addition in 2027. Their best players are already under contract, and if the numbers line up the way they could, Atlanta might be one of the most attractive landing spots for a star who decides to test the market.
Heading into the 2027-2028 season, Atlanta already has guaranteed money on the books for nine players, totaling $121,871,676. If Buddy Hield stays on the roster and the Hawks choose not to waive him, they would still owe $3 million. There is also the possibility of moving Kispert to create even more flexibility, though that could be a tough task.
That sets the stage for a list of possible free-agent targets, even if some are far more realistic than others.
At the top of the dream list is Nikola Jokic. The idea is a long shot - the source makes that clear - but there are enough loose ends to at least imagine the possibility. Denver has been quiet this summer, Jokic has not signed an extension yet, the Nuggets’ roster is aging, and they do not have many assets to improve the team.
If Jokic ever did decide to look elsewhere, Atlanta would have a strong case. Johnson, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, and Okongwu already give the Hawks high-level talent, Flemings could develop into a star, and the team would still have cap space and draft picks to keep building. The Hawks would be deep, and Jokic would not have to deal with going through San Antonio or Oklahoma City in the Eastern Conference.
The odds are described as near zero, but it is still a name to keep in the conversation.
Fred VanVleet is another intriguing possibility. He will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, and this season will be one of the league’s most interesting storylines because he is coming off a major injury and Houston missed him badly.
The expectation is that he probably returns to the Rockets, but there are reasons it might not be that simple. Houston has extensions to sort out soon, including Amen Thompson, and VanVleet’s age and injury history could affect their decision.
For Atlanta, he would bring defense and steadiness at the point of attack, and he could be an upgrade over CJ McCollum without requiring a long-term deal.
The Hawks also spent this offseason trying to become tougher and more physical, adding Dort, Wiggins, and Zuby Ejiofor. Even if Dort is re-signed before hitting the market, wing defense is still something teams can never have enough of.
That makes Derrick Jones Jr. a useful name to watch. His offense has limits, but he defends the perimeter well and can hit enough shots to avoid becoming a total liability.
The source points to him as a low-cost depth option.
Jalen Smith fits a different need. With Jock Landale on an expiring contract and uncertainty about whether Henri Veesaar is ready for backup-center duties, Smith would make sense as a reserve big. He can space the floor and rebound, which helps cover for his defensive issues, and he should not require a major salary.
Then there is Ryan Rollins, who broke out for Milwaukee last season. The expectation is that he declines his $4 million player option for 2027-2028 and reaches unrestricted free agency, where he would draw plenty of interest. He fits Atlanta’s timeline, could step in as a replacement for CJ McCollum, and would give the Hawks a scorer who can shoot and defend at a solid level.
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