Hawks Land Porzingis, Trade Up Draft Assets

The Atlanta Hawks acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics in a three-team trade that also included the Nets, signaling an aggressive approach to building around Trae Young. The Hawks subsequently traded their No. 13 NBA Draft pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (the most favorable of the Pelicans or Bucks), boosting their future assets. Atlanta managed these moves without using their $25 million trade exception, preserving flexibility to absorb a veteran contract or pursue further trades, with players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker reportedly on their radar. Porzingis brings elite floor spacing, rim protection, and offensive versatility, while his contract keeps future options open. The front office, led by GM Onsi Saleh, continues to reshape the roster, earning praise for balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term planning. The Hawks are now positioned as one of the more improved teams in the Eastern Conference.