The Atlanta Hawks made a bold move at the trade deadline, one that speaks volumes about their long-term vision - and it starts with a familiar face for their new general manager. Onsi Saleh, who spent three years in the Golden State Warriors’ front office before taking over in Atlanta, didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose to bring in Jonathan Kuminga. Saleh had a front-row seat to Kuminga’s development in the Bay, and now he’s betting big on that potential paying off in Atlanta.
“For us, [the trade] made sense given our timeline and what we’re trying to do,” Saleh said. “A 23-year-old with a ton of potential…” That’s not just a throwaway line - it’s the core of the Hawks’ strategy.
Kuminga brings elite athleticism, real rim pressure, and the kind of physical profile that can shift matchups on both ends of the floor. He’s a strong rebounder, explosive in transition, and adds much-needed size to the wing - a critical factor in a league dominated by versatile, oversized scorers.
Kuminga, who had been looking for a fresh start, finally gets one in Atlanta. The Hawks acquired him along with sharpshooter Buddy Hield in a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis the other way.
Kuminga is currently nursing a bone bruise in his left knee and won’t suit up again until after the All-Star break, but the team is optimistic about what he’ll bring when healthy. And make no mistake - they’re not just thinking about this season.
As for Hield, Saleh highlighted not only his perimeter shooting - which will stretch defenses and open up the floor - but also his “hilarious” locker room presence. Chemistry matters, especially for a team trying to build something sustainable, and Hield brings both on-court production and off-court energy.
The Hawks also got an immediate spark from a new face in Jock Landale. Just hours after being traded, Landale made a statement in his debut, dropping 26 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks in a win over the Jazz.
That’s not just a solid outing - that’s the kind of performance that turns heads. Even more impressive?
Landale was in Memphis when the trade went down and opted to drive 5.5 hours to Atlanta rather than wait for a team-arranged flight. “If I’m looking to play that next night, I want to get there as soon as possible,” he said.
That’s the kind of mentality coaches and teammates love.
Financially, the Hawks are sending $3 million to Utah as part of the Landale trade. While that detail wasn’t initially disclosed, it underscores the team’s willingness to invest in pieces they believe can contribute right away.
On the injury front, Onyeka Okongwu made his return to the lineup after missing four games with a dental fracture. With Kuminga still sidelined, Okongwu’s presence in the rotation becomes even more important as the Hawks look to stabilize their frontcourt.
Looking at the bigger picture, Saleh made it clear that the Hawks’ deadline moves were about more than just short-term gains. “Everything is future forward,” he said. The front office didn’t want to compromise the flexibility they worked to create earlier in the season, and they believe they’ve managed to hold onto that optionality heading into the summer.
In other words, the Hawks aren’t just making moves - they’re building a foundation. With Kuminga’s upside, Hield’s shooting, and Landale’s instant impact, Atlanta is setting the stage for a new chapter. Whether that pays off in the standings this season or down the line, the message is clear: the Hawks are playing the long game - and they’re doing it with purpose.