NBA Trade Deadline Watch: Hawks Hold Firm on Okongwu, Hornets Field Bridges Interest, Wizards Eye Future with Sarr
With the trade deadline looming, teams across the league are drawing their lines in the sand-and for the Atlanta Hawks, that line starts with Onyeka Okongwu.
According to league sources, the Hawks have made it clear: Okongwu isn’t going anywhere. Despite receiving interest from other teams-Indiana among them-Atlanta sees the 23-year-old big man as a foundational piece. Instead of shopping him, the Hawks are focused on building around him, particularly in the frontcourt.
That doesn’t mean Atlanta is closed for business. Quite the opposite.
The Hawks are reportedly open to moving other pieces, including names like Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard. They’ve also signaled a willingness to take on salary-provided it comes with second-round draft compensation.
That’s a savvy move for a team currently sitting about $7 million below the luxury tax threshold and holding multiple trade exceptions, one of which is worth over $13 million. Flexibility like that gives Atlanta options, especially in a seller’s market.
If roster space becomes an issue, the Hawks could create an opening by waiving N’Faly Dante, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. It’s a tough break for the rookie big man, but it’s a move that would make sense from a roster management perspective.
One thing Atlanta isn’t entertaining? Moving Jalen Johnson or their 2026 first-round pick.
Despite the buzz surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future and the hypothetical trade scenarios that come with it, the Hawks are holding tight to their young forward and that valuable future asset. It’s a clear signal that Atlanta is thinking long-term, not just about short-term splashes.
Charlotte Holding the Line on Miles Bridges
Over in Charlotte, Miles Bridges continues to attract attention. The Hornets have reportedly had conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential deal centered around Bridges and Bobby Portis. But while there’s some mutual interest-Charlotte does like Portis to a degree-there’s been no real momentum toward a deal.
The Hornets are standing firm on their valuation of Bridges, and rightfully so. He’s been a productive and versatile piece for them this season, and unless the right offer comes along, they’re not rushing to move him. Milwaukee’s direction could also shift depending on what happens with Giannis, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Wizards Focused on the Future with Alex Sarr
In Washington, the Wizards are keeping their eyes on the bigger picture. While they’ve reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring Jazz center Walker Kessler, their long-term plans still revolve around Alex Sarr.
The 7-footer, widely viewed as the franchise’s center of the future, remains the focal point of Washington’s rebuild. That doesn’t mean the Wizards aren’t doing their due diligence-Kessler’s name coming up shows they’re exploring ways to bolster their frontcourt-but Sarr is still the guy they’re betting on.
Bottom Line
As the trade deadline approaches, the message from Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington is clear: these teams know what they have, and they’re not about to make moves just for the sake of it. Whether it’s the Hawks locking in on Okongwu and Jalen Johnson, the Hornets being selective with Bridges, or the Wizards keeping their rebuild centered on Sarr, each franchise is playing the long game-and doing it on their own terms.