The Atlanta Hawks have done a lot this offseason already. They extended CJ McCollum. They traded for Aaron Wiggins. They locked up Quinn Snyder on a new contract. They drafted three players, including lottery pick Kingston Fleming at No. 8. But none of that is the headline right now.
The Hawks are looking for a big man. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Atlanta is actively pursuing a trade for frontcourt help before free agency opens Tuesday. Stein reported that the team is on the hunt for a center or power forward, citing league sources.
This makes sense when you look at what the Hawks are building toward. They finished 46-36 last season, grabbed the No. 6 seed in the East, and then gave the eventual champion New York Knicks everything they could handle in the first round. Atlanta took a 2-1 series lead before New York stormed back. But here’s the thing: the Hawks were the only team in the entire playoffs to win multiple games against the Knicks and hold a series lead. That’s not nothing.
What the roster already looks like
Trae Young is still the engine. McCollum gives them another veteran scorer who can play on or off the ball. Wiggins brings energy and perimeter defense. Fleming, the rookie out of high school, has the kind of length and feel that scouts love. But the frontcourt is thin. Clint Capela is still solid but not what he was. Onyeka Okongwu is more of a tweener at this point. There isn’t a natural, imposing presence in the paint who can protect the rim and finish lobs without needing the ball in his hands.
That’s why the Hawks are shopping now. They used the No. 57 pick to acquire Henri Veesaar from the Clippers, but Veesaar is more of a developmental piece. The team needs someone who can play meaningful minutes this season, especially if they want to push past the first round and make real noise in the East.
Free agency looms, but trades might come first
It’s possible Atlanta waits until free agency opens and tries to sign a veteran big man on a short deal. But the signals from the front office suggest they’d rather trade for someone who fits the timeline. A player like Nic Claxton or Jalen Duren would be an obvious fit, but those guys aren’t easy to pry loose. Atlanta has some tradeable contracts and future picks. They also have young players like Ejiofor, the No. 23 pick, who could be attractive to a rebuilding team.
The Hawks are in a weird spot. They’re good enough to win a playoff series but not quite good enough to be a real contender. Adding a legitimate big man could change that math. Or it could just make them a tougher out in the second round. Either way, the front office is clearly not done.
Free agency starts Tuesday. Atlanta has already had a busy offseason. Don’t expect them to stop now.
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