We all knew the Hawks were going to have a busy offseason after making the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, but it would’ve been hard to predict a move this early in the summer. It only took two second-round picks for Atlanta's Onsi Saleh to acquire Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Breaking down the Wiggins acquisition
It’s an absolute steal, irrefutably. Atlanta is adding a 38% career three-point shooter, who averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season. His game will fit in Quin Snyder’s system like a glove, and he’s also a reliable defender.
Now that Aaron has joined the locker room, he’ll bring more championship experience to the young roster, and it’s valuable considering Jonathan Kuminga’s potential exit. Alongside his amazing characteristics, his contract is the icing on the cake.
For him to have an annual salary of $7-8 million, and three years left on the deal, makes the acquisition even sweeter. He’s expected to make an impact from day one, and that day could evolve into years.
If he’s going to maximize his tenure in Atlanta, Quin Snyder and his coaching staff must find the right role. We saw Hawks take home most improved player in consecutive seasons, the first time in the award’s 40-year history. So, for Wiggins, it shouldn’t take much to find his niche given his skill set.
Aaron’s electric new role in Atlanta
Since the Hawks have adopted a new pass-first system, there’s no reason why Wiggins can’t get in on the action. At his peak, he put up 41 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 16-30 from the field.
An offensive explosion in Atlanta is inevitable, especially after seeing Nickeil Alexander-Walker go from 9.4 points to 20.8 en route to winning the 2026 MIP. Walker became a starter after Trae Young’s injury, so we’ll likely see Aaron begin his tenure on the bench as well.
With scoring and defense in the second unit alongside the Hawks' new rookie, Zaccharie Risacher, Mo Gueye, Jonathan Kuminga and Jock Landale, the bench is reliable. We also have to consider the fact that the Hawks are not done making moves, so Wiggins could become one of many new lethal scorers off the bench.
He’ll be entrusted with defending small forwards and shooting guards, two things the Hawks need in their second unit. If he’s able to score at a consistent clip and play his part on defense, the Hawks could elevate to a top contender in the ever-changing Eastern Conference landscape.
If Atlanta was able to finish 46-36 after what was a turbulent 2025-26 season, they could crack 50 wins after filling in the gaps of their new roster. Aaron Wiggins’ contributions will play a massive role in this, and at 27 years old, he’s arriving in Atlanta at the beginning of his prime.
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