After missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season last year, the Atlanta Hawks will enter the 2025-26 NBA season looking to end their playoff drought.
Of course, the Hawks have built a solid core led by Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher and they also made some key additions to their roster this offseason.
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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae YoungKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Atlanta began their offseason by selecting Asa Newell 23rd overall in the 2025 draft after making a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans to move down from the 13th pick, which also landed the Hawks the Pelicans’ 2026 first-round pick.
The Hawks then acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics and signed both Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency to upgrade their roster.
By making these moves, many around the league expect the Hawks to be a top team in the Eastern Conference this season as they not only try to end their playoff drought, but also contend for a championship.
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Hawks Could Target Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
While Atlanta will have high expectations this season after making multiple major offseason moves, they could also look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline to further bolster their roster.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis AntetokounmpoMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One player who they could target is Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo as CltuchPoints’ Brett Siegel believes that the Hawks and the San Antonio Spurs have the easiest paths to land the star forward this season.
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Of course, Giannis’ future in Milwaukee is uncertain and if they make him available this season, Atlanta does have enough young talent and draft capital to potentially pull off a deal for the two-time MVP.
Mock Trade Lands Hawks Giannis for 3-Player Package
In a potential trade, the Hawks could send Johnson, Risacher, Mouhamed Gueye and multiple first-round picks to the Bucks in exchange for Giannis.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10)Mike Watters-Imagn Images
While moving two key young players in Johnson and Risacher may be a tough decision for the Hawks to make, swapping them for one of the best players in the NBA in Giannis could make them the team to beat in the East this season.
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For Giannis, he is an elite scorer and defender who could fit well inside next to Porzingis as the main inside scorer thanks to Porzingis’ 3-point shooting.
© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, the 30-year-old superstar forward averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60.1% from the field en route to finishing third in MVP voting.
He and Porzingis could also be a lethal defensive duo inside while the pick-and-roll game between Giannis and Young could be another deadly combination for Atlanta’s offense while also improving their defense alongside Porzingis and Daniels.
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo greets Atlanta Hawks guard Trae YoungDale Zanine-Imagn Images
By making this trade, the Hawks could be in prime position to make a run at a championship with their new core leading the way while also setting themselves up to be a force for many years to come, though they do still need to sign Young to a contract extension.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.