With just over 48 hours to go before the NBA trade deadline hits on Thursday at 3 p.m. EST, the Atlanta Hawks are firmly in the mix - and they’ve already made some noise.
Atlanta has kicked off its deadline dealings by flipping Trae Young and Vit Krejci in exchange for CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Duop Reath, and two second-round picks. That’s a significant shake-up, and it signals something clear: the Hawks are trying to retool, whether that means pushing for immediate competitiveness or building a more sustainable core for the future - or ideally, both.
But the rumor mill hasn’t stopped spinning, and the latest name to pop up is a surprising one: James Harden. According to multiple league insiders, Harden has been working with the Clippers to find a new team, and at various points this season, he reportedly had interest in both Minnesota and Atlanta as potential destinations.
Now, let’s be clear - neither the Timberwolves nor the Hawks are expected to make a move for Harden at this stage. In Atlanta’s case, any serious traction on a Harden deal seemed to hinge on Trae Young still being on the roster.
With Young now in Washington, the Hawks’ connection to Harden appears more like a footnote than a headline. The Clippers, for their part, weren’t interested in a Harden-for-Young swap when that was on the table earlier this season.
So where does that leave Atlanta? According to league sources, the Hawks have largely backed off from aggressive trade pursuits in the wake of the Young deal. That includes their earlier, well-documented interest in Dallas forward Anthony Davis - a pursuit that’s cooled off significantly, especially in light of Davis’ recent hand injury.
Still, there’s plenty going on behind the scenes in Atlanta’s front office. One player who continues to draw interest is Onyeka Okongwu.
The Indiana Pacers are among the teams who’ve checked in on the 25-year-old center, but the Hawks have been reluctant to move him. And it’s easy to see why.
Okongwu has taken a noticeable step forward this season, especially as a starter. He’s averaging 16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game - a well-rounded stat line that reflects his growing impact on both ends of the floor.
What’s more, he’s added a new wrinkle to his game: a confident 3-point shot. He’s now one of just four centers in the league hitting over two threes per game, joining elite company in Nikola Jokic (2.1), Myles Turner (2.2), and Naz Reid (2.4).
That kind of stretch-big versatility is hard to come by, and it’s no wonder the Hawks are holding onto him tightly.
That said, Atlanta is still open to adding frontcourt depth - if the right deal presents itself. They’re not just sitting on their hands.
The team has nearly $7 million in room under the luxury tax threshold and has reportedly shown a willingness to help other teams shed salary in exchange for second-round draft picks. That’s a savvy way to pick up assets without overcommitting to a splashy move.
There’s also a $13.1 million traded player exception still on the books from the Bogdan Bogdanovic deal. That’s a useful tool that could help them absorb a contract without needing to send matching salary in return - something to keep an eye on as the deadline nears.
One final roster note: center N’Faly Dante is out for the season with a torn ACL. His contract for next season is non-guaranteed, and that could make him a cut candidate if the Hawks need to free up a roster spot to complete a trade.
So while the Harden chatter may be more smoke than fire, Atlanta isn’t done yet. They’ve already made one major move, and with flexibility in both cap space and trade assets, they’re positioned to make another if the right opportunity comes along. Whether that means adding a rotation piece, collecting future picks, or simply positioning themselves for the offseason, the Hawks are a team to watch as the deadline clock winds down.