Well, as long as Onsi Saleh is leading the Atlanta Hawks, there will be no shortage of unexpected offseason activity.
While everyone around the league has been seemingly waiting for the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade announcement, the Hawks were busy making calls of their own. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, "The Oklahoma City Thunder are finalizing a trade to send guard Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round picks."
Stealing an underrated versatile weapon for just second-round draft capital is nothing to overlook.
Wiggins has proven he's worthy of a larger role elsewhere
There's no doubt that Oklahoma City would've preferred to keep Wiggins as part of their developing core for the long-run. However, sometimes a change of scenery is something that ultimately benefits both sides.
Playing just over 20 minutes a night in each of the last two seasons for the Thunder, he became increasingly valuable to their success as his role progressed. With extensions kicking in for each of their major stars, though, they were expected to enter this pivotal offseason with a clear goal to cut some salary.
Wiggins is set to earn over $9 million next season, but it decreases to $8 million the year after, followed by a team-option for the 2028-29 season.
He won't be expected to command any significantly larger role in Atlanta, but he does fill a position of need, and it also brings up questions regarding the futures of some polarizing forwards. The Hawks will have some interesting decisions to make about Jonathan Kuminga and Zaccharie Risacher.
Wiggins is no star, but he plays his role perfectly. Last season, he averaged just over nine points and three rebounds per contest. Durability has been a strength of his, as well, suiting up in at least 65 games in four of his five NBA seasons.
This is the first of many expected moves for the Hawks
With the NBA Draft quickly approaching, it would be foolish not to expect Onsi Saleh to continue making calls around the league for unique potential roster additions. Even though he likely won't put all his eggs in one basket for a superstar-caliber player, it doesn't mean he won't do everything he can to improve this roster around the margins.
If he's able to keep the same mentality he's showcased in just over a year as Atlanta's lead decision-maker, fans should prepare themselves for an exciting summer of movement.
Welcome to Atlanta, Aaron Wiggins. Champions will always have a home here.
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