At 20-22 and sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are officially in the danger zone. This was supposed to be a year of progress-a season where the pieces finally clicked, and the team took a step forward in the playoff picture. Instead, halfway through the 2025-26 campaign, Atlanta’s season feels stuck in neutral.
Let’s rewind a bit. The Hawks came into the year with legitimate momentum.
After a promising finish last season, the front office went to work, using their financial flexibility to shore up the roster. The additions of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard weren’t headline-grabbing blockbusters, but they were the kind of smart, strategic moves that signaled Atlanta believed it was just a couple of tweaks away from contending in a wide-open East.
But so far? The results haven’t matched the expectations.
This isn’t just a case of underperforming relative to hype. The Hawks have struggled in key areas that have a ripple effect across the entire roster.
Three issues, in particular, have plagued them: rebounding, lineup inconsistency, and interior defense. And when one of those problems shows up, the others usually aren’t far behind.
Take Porzingis, for example. When he’s out of the lineup-and that’s been more often than the Hawks would like-they lose a rim protector and a floor spacer.
That forces players like Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson to shoulder more defensive responsibility in the paint. The result?
More points allowed at the rim and more second-chance opportunities for opponents. That’s a tough combination to overcome, especially when you’re trying to claw your way up the standings.
So, what’s the fix? A big trade might be the only real answer.
Atlanta has reportedly shown interest in Anthony Davis, who’s currently with the Mavericks. On paper, it makes some sense-Davis, when healthy, is still one of the most impactful two-way big men in the league.
But that “when healthy” caveat is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Davis is 32 and now sidelined for at least six weeks with a hand injury.
At this stage in his career, his availability is as much a concern as his production. For a team like Atlanta, giving up significant assets for a player with that kind of injury history is a massive gamble.
That doesn’t mean the Hawks won’t explore it. But a more realistic and potentially more sustainable option might be out west in Sacramento.
The Kings, sitting at a dismal 10-30 through 40 games, are teetering on the edge of a full-blown reset. With a roster loaded with veterans and long-term salary commitments, they’re a prime candidate for a trade deadline fire sale. And if they start taking calls, the Hawks should be among the first to pick up the phone.
The name to watch? Domantas Sabonis.
Sabonis hasn’t seen much court time this season due to injury, but he’s on track to return soon-and durability isn’t typically an issue for him. He’s played at least 70 games in each of the last three seasons, and when healthy, he brings exactly the kind of skill set Atlanta needs.
Sabonis is one of the league’s premier rebounders, a gifted passer out of the high post, and a reliable scorer around the rim. His offensive game would slot in seamlessly with Atlanta’s current core, and his presence alone would address two of the Hawks’ biggest problems: rebounding and durability.
But Sabonis isn’t a perfect fit. Defensively, he’s limited-particularly on the interior.
Pairing him with Jalen Johnson could create some matchup headaches on that end of the floor. And then there’s the contract.
Sabonis is locked in for at least $45 million per year over the next three seasons, with no team or player option at the end. That’s a serious financial commitment, though still more manageable than what a trade for Davis would require.
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, expect the Hawks to be one of the more active teams in the league. They’re not far from being a legitimate threat in the East, but standing pat isn’t going to cut it. Whether it’s Sabonis, Davis, or another name that emerges in the coming weeks, Atlanta knows the clock is ticking-and the front office has some big decisions to make.