It was another disappointing season last year for the Atlanta Hawks as they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Because of this, Atlanta decided to make some major additions to their roster this offseason as they bounce back after last season’s struggles and try to take advantage of a weakened Eastern Conference this season.
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Boston Celtics center Kristaps PorziņģisDavid Butler II-Imagn Images
Of course, the Hawks acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics and signed both Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency to bolster their roster.
By making these moves, the Hawks are expected to be a top team in the East this season with Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and their new additions leading the way.
Hawks Could Look to Move Trae Young
While Atlanta is expected to be a top team in the East this season, the major storyline for the Hawks entering the new season is the future of Young with the franchise as they have yet to offer him a new contract.
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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae YoungKyle Ross-Imagn Images
For Young, he could opt out of his player option and become a free agent next summer if the two sides are unable to agree on a new deal which has put the star guard in trade rumors.
Mock Trade Sends Trae Young to Rockets
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae YoungKyle Ross-Imagn Images
One team that has been linked to Young this offseason is the Houston Rockets and after Fred VanVleet was diagnosed with a torn ACL on Monday, they could look to trade for the star guard.
In a potential trade, the Hawks could send Young to the Rockets in exchange for VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Clint Capela, Tari Eason and multiple draft picks.
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Of course, moving on from Yong would be a tough decision for the Hawks to make, though swapping him for multiple young players and draft capital could entice them to do so.
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15)© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
For the Hawks, adding Sheppard, who was the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, would give them a solid young guard as a replacement for Young who showed flashes of being a key player during his rookie season in Houston.
Eason would also give them another solid young player to build around while Capela would reunite with the Hawks after leaving in free agency.
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Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
While this trade could be a solid one for Atlanta, they may require the Rockets to send them a different player outside of VanVleet unless they are willing to wait out his ACL injury.
Either way, the Hawks would add more depth to their roster by making this trade, along with more draft capital, though they may choose to keep Young this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.