The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the most active teams in the league as the trade deadline approaches, reshaping their roster with a flurry of moves aimed at both the short-term fight and the long-term vision. In their latest deal, the Hawks sent Luke Kennard to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick-another calculated move in a 24-hour stretch that also saw them land Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield while sending Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State.
Let’s break it down.
Kennard Out, Vincent In
Luke Kennard was a big-name pickup for Atlanta last summer-a sharpshooter with one of the purest strokes in the league and a career three-point percentage that consistently ranks among the NBA’s elite. On paper, he was a perfect fit for a Hawks team that needed floor spacing to complement its dynamic backcourt.
But the on-court reality didn’t quite match the offseason hype. Kennard struggled to find his rhythm early in the season.
Instead of letting it fly, he often hesitated-pump faking, driving, or swinging the ball rather than taking the open shot. While he’s an underrated passer and smart with the ball, that’s not why the Hawks brought him in.
They needed his shooting, and when that wasn’t there, the losses started piling up.
Following a tough December home loss to the Miami Heat, the team held a players-only meeting-a moment that seemed to spark something in Kennard. From that point on, he looked more like the player Atlanta thought they were getting. But timing is everything in this league, and with his $11 million contract set to expire, Kennard became a valuable trade chip.
What Gabe Vincent Brings
In return, the Hawks get Gabe Vincent-a gritty, defensive-minded guard who can knock down shots when called upon. He’s not the same caliber of shooter as Kennard, but he brings toughness on the perimeter and playoff experience that could prove valuable down the stretch.
Vincent’s role with the Lakers had been inconsistent this season, largely due to a crowded backcourt rotation featuring Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves. In Atlanta, he’ll have a clearer opportunity to carve out a role, especially on the defensive end, where the Hawks have struggled to find consistency.
The Bigger Picture
This move isn’t just about the players. Atlanta also picks up a second-round pick and creates an $11 million trade exception-an asset that could come into play later, either at the deadline or in the offseason. While it’s unclear how the Hawks plan to use that exception, it gives them added flexibility as they continue to reshape the roster.
Losing one of the league’s best three-point shooters is never easy, but the Hawks aren’t flying blind here. They’ve made multiple moves over the past day that suggest a clear direction. With Hield now in the mix and Kuminga bringing athleticism and upside, Atlanta has options to fill the shooting void left by Kennard.
Final Take
This trade is another example of the Hawks being proactive rather than reactive. They’ve turned an expiring deal into a defensive upgrade, a future draft asset, and financial flexibility. Vincent might not light up the box score like Kennard when he’s hot, but he brings a different kind of value-one that could help stabilize a backcourt that’s been searching for balance all season.
The Hawks aren’t done building. But if these past 24 hours are any indication, they’re not just making moves-they’re making moves with purpose.