After missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season last year, the Atlanta Hawks decided to make some major additions to their roster in the offseason to contend for a top seed in the Eastern Conference this season.
Of course, the Hawks already had a solid core led by Trae Young, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, but they decided to make major moves this offseason to bolster their roster.
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Atlanta began the offseason by selecting Asa Newell in the first round of the 2025 draft after trading the 13th pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 23rd pick and a first-round pick next season.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) and guard Trae Young (11)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
They then acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics to upgrade their frontcourt and signed both Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency to bolster their bench.
By making these moves, the Hawks are expected to be a top team in the East this season as they not only try to end their playoff drought but compete for a championship.
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Heat Could Target Trae Young With Hawks’ Future Uncertain
While the Hawks are looking to make a title run this season after making major additions this offseason, one of their top players could be on the move this season.
That player is Young, whose future in Atlanta is uncertain after the Hawks failed to offer him a contract his offseason with him potentially hitting free agency next offseason.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae YoungGary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Because of this, the star point guard continues to be in trade rumors and if the Hawks get off to a slow start this season, they could look to move Young, who should draw interest from many teams.
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One of those teams could be the Miami Heat, who are in need of another star player and a new starting point guard as they try to return to form after last season’s struggles.
Mock Trade Sends Trae Young to Heat for 4 Players, Draft Capital
In a potential trade, the Hawks could send Young and Vit Krejci to the Heat in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Simone Fontecchio, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jacquez Jr. and multiple first-round picks.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) and Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22).Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
While moving on from Young would likely be a tough move for the Hawks to make, adding a former champion in Wiggins along with more young talent and draft capital could set them up well for the future, especially with the core they already have.
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For Wiggins, he is a veteran forward with championship experience during his time with the Golden State Warriors who would provide Atlanta with a reliable scorer and defender at the forward position.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (21).Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Fontecchio would give the Hawks another reliable scorer off the bench who is a great 3-point shooter to upgrade the offense in their second unit.
For Jovic and Jaquez Jr., they would provide the Hawks with two more young players who have shown a ton of potential early in their careers and could become key players down the road for Atlanta.
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© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
While this trade could work out for the Hawks, they may want more in return in a potential trade that involves Young and they may require the Heat to include either Kel’el Ware or Tyler Herro in a potential deal.
Atlanta could also hold onto Young this season, especially if they are in the mix for a top seed in the East as they try to make a run at a title this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
