The Atlanta Hawks are taking a methodical approach to building their team, as emphasized by President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh. This offseason, Saleh has consistently communicated that the Hawks are committed to a step-by-step process, focusing on sustainable growth rather than making hasty, high-stakes moves. Reflecting on the team's achievements last season, Saleh expressed pride but also a clear understanding that the team isn't quite ready for an all-in gamble just yet.
Saleh has been vocal about the Hawks' strategy, emphasizing the importance of organic growth. "We want to grow this thing out organically," he stated, indicating confidence in the upcoming draft to bring in two promising players who can help propel the team forward.
The focus is on sustainability and building a team that can compete long-term, rather than taking shortcuts that might jeopardize future success. This approach, while perhaps repetitive to some, underscores Saleh's commitment to a deliberate and thoughtful team-building process.
Despite this cautious strategy, the Hawks have been linked to Jaylen Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP and Georgia native. The Celtics reportedly offered Brown to Milwaukee in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks, but with Antetokounmpo now in Miami, questions have arisen about Brown's future in Boston. Hoopshype insider Michael Scotto noted that while Atlanta is keeping an eye on Brown, acquiring him would represent a significant shift from the Hawks' current trajectory, especially after adding three players in the draft, including potential future star Kingston Flemings.
The Celtics are expected to demand a hefty return for Brown, akin to the package they sought from Minnesota before the Timberwolves acquired LaMelo Ball. That deal reportedly involved Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and draft picks. Given this steep asking price, it's difficult to envision the Hawks parting with valuable assets for a player who, while talented, isn't universally considered a top-ten NBA star.
However, the Hawks are likely monitoring the situation, ready to pounce if Brown's price becomes more reasonable. As the offseason progresses, the Celtics might find fewer teams willing to meet their demands, potentially lowering the cost or leading Boston to retain Brown.
Meanwhile, the Hawks face important decisions as free agency looms. They need to determine the fate of Buddy Hield's contract, which could free up over $6 million in cap space if waived.
Additionally, the team must decide on Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option. While it's unlikely they'll decline it outright, the option remains to trade him if necessary.
As the offseason heats up, the Hawks' strategy will be tested. With big names like Brown on the market, Atlanta's commitment to a measured approach will be crucial in navigating the busy weeks ahead. Whether they continue to be linked to Brown remains to be seen, but their focus on building a sustainable contender is clear.
In Other News...
Hawks Just Got A Huge Break In The Southeast Division
The Southeast Division just got a fresh jolt, and the ripple effects should matter in Atlanta. With Miami and Charlotte reshuffling the top end of their rosters, the short-term balance in the division suddenly looks a little friendlier for the Hawks, who have spent the last few seasons trying to climb back into the East's upper middle class.
Atlanta also has some history of preparing for the division's biggest problems in creative ways, especially against Giannis Antetokounmpo, using unusual defensive looks since 2021 to try to slow his path into the paint. If those kinds of matchups become less frequent in the division race, it could give the Hawks a cleaner runway while Charlotte's timeline gets pushed back a bit more. [Read more 🡒]
Former Hawks Big Suddenly Lands In A Much Bigger Free Agency Battle
The Lakers are shopping for frontcourt help, and Jock Landale has surfaced as one of the bigger names in that mix. The former Hawks center spent part of last season in Atlanta after being waived by Utah, then appeared in 23 games for the Hawks before moving on, and his value around the league has only grown since then. With his physical style and size, he fits the kind of depth teams tend to chase once the market opens.
Atlanta, though, may have a familiar reason to keep an eye on where this goes. Landale is drawing interest from multiple suitors, including teams that can put together a much more aggressive pitch than a simple depth spot, and he is expected to command offers beyond the bi-annual exception. For a Hawks team that already knows what he brings, the question is less about whether he belongs on a roster and more about whether his next deal gets pushed into a range that changes the entire competition. [Read more 🡒]
Hawks Are One Costly Offseason Decision Away From Changing Everything
After a busy stretch of roster shuffling, the Hawks have already checked off a handful of offseason items by re-signing CJ McCollum, adding Aaron Wiggins in a trade, drafting three players and picking up Mouhamed Gueyes team option. Even with those moves in place, Atlanta is still working through how to balance its depth chart with the hard realities of the cap as free agency approaches.
The biggest pressure point is the front offices next contract decision, one that could push the roster into a far more restrictive financial lane if the club decides to keep moving forward with its current plan. Atlanta is also weighing whether it can clear enough room by exploring trades involving Buddy Hield, Corey Kispert and Zaccharie Risacher, a reminder that one more move could reshape not just the rotation but the teams entire offseason flexibility. [Read more 🡒]