Key Highlights
- But instead of taking the leap, they’ve stayed very much mediocre as they head into Christmas Day with a 15-16 record amid their current four-game losing skid. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere is plenty of talent on the Hawks’ roster, but somehow, they haven’t put it together quite yet this season.
- Their offseason additions, which were supposed to elevate Atlanta defensively, haven’t made the impact they were expected to. On the season, they rank 18th in defensive rating, allowing 115.6 points per 100 possessions, and since Trae Young returned from injury on the 18th of December, they’ve allowed 125.8 points per 100 — good for third-worst in the NBA during that span. Suffice to say, the Hawks may be feeling a sense of urgency to be aggressive on the trade market considering their present circumstances.
- Porzingis is dealing with further complications brought forth by his Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), leaving Atlanta with just Onyeka Okongwu at center. If Atlanta is indeed feeling the heat, desperation could very well push them to trade Porzingis away to acquire another center.
- The uncertainty surrounding the Latvian big man may become untenable for a Hawks side that wants to be one of the best teams in the East, and with his contract set to expire at the end of this current campaign, he will be an piece to take on for teams looking to free up salary. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith that said, here are three trade options the Hawks could pursue amid Porzingis’ bout with injury. Bucks call Myles Turner a sunk cost, trade him to the HawksHawks acquire: Myles Turner, Andre Jackson Jr. Bucks acquire: Kristaps Porzingis, 2026 SAS first-round pickBenny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsThe Hawks’ vision was clear when they acquired Porzingis in the trade that saw them give up Terance Mann, Georges Niang, and a 2025 first-round pick (Drake Powell).
- With Clint Capela departing in free agency, a spot opened up in their center rotation.