Just a few days removed from the Atlanta Hawks trading Zaccharie Risacher and three second-round picks for defensive ace Lu Dort, rumors are swirling.
People around the league are trying to figure out exactly what Atlanta's direction is. Are they future-focused? Are they trying to contend? Are they prioritizing both in their own unique way? The answer is yes. They're balancing many different mindsets heading into the pivotal 2026-27 NBA season.
Since people have been unable to define their current mentality, they've pondered the immediate availability of Dort himself, while also wondering if the Hawks bringing in his hefty expiring contract could be a part of something much greater.
Dort's contract is just another quality asset in an already-impressive pool
According to a late-night intel drop from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, "Multiple rival team executives have noted this week that the Hawks, after adding Dort, are flush with the sort of mid-tier salaries that could be easily packaged with draft capital to make a run at a star who becomes available via trade."
Interesting. The Hawks - who many have criticized for not being aggressive enough this offseason after getting a taste of playoff experience this past April - are being monitored as a potential threat to pry away a star.
Well, they'll need to have even more patience, as not only common sense points to Atlanta entering the regular season with a roster similar to the one they have, but Fischer relayed the sentiment, as well.
"Maybe that happens between now and the February trade deadline," said the insider. "Or maybe it's a matter for next summer, when the Hawks are projected to boast more than $40 million in cap space."
Regardless, the Hawks are set up with a world of flexibility. When they want to attack - or when the right star becomes available for whatever reason - they can offer a pretty enticing pitch, whether it be in the trade market or free agency.
Onsi Saleh has shown he likes to get value out of expiring deals
Atlanta's president of basketball operations operates in a way not many lead decision-makers do.
He doesn't waste any time kicking out those who aren't a part of his long-term vision, and always gets some sort of value out of his expiring contracts.
Well, there's no shortage of one-year deals on this current Hawks roster. CJ McCollum and Lu Dort could become strong candidates to be moved by February's trade deadline, whether they're packaged for a star or shipped to an aggressive bidder for draft capital.
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