If there's anything Hawks fans have grown to learn over the past year, it's that their lead decision-maker - Onsi Saleh - doesn't shy away from utilizing his assets at a time when other organizations hold still.
His proven boldness has been essential in helping Atlanta transition between eras, and it's the biggest reason why they're more than on the right track ahead of the 2026-27 season.
With less than a month to go until the year officially begins, all of the focus is rightfully on the expected on-court product, but maybe fans should go ahead and start preparing for what should arrive further down the line.
It could be a busy trade deadline for Saleh and the Hawks
Part of why they've been so busy making moves over the last 365 days is how brilliantly they've managed their finances.
They've locked in their core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu on value deals. This flexibility allows them to get active in reshaping the rest of the roster.
Even when they're extending guys who aren't necessarily expected to be part of the long-term vision, they've given out short-term deals, with the ability to package them for someone else.
In the early stages of this summer, Atlanta gave one-year deals to CJ McCollum and Jock Landale - two vital pieces to their recent unexpected postseason push.
Looking at some of their external additions, Lu Dort and now Dorian Finney-Smith could be candidates to be moved at the midseason deadline, all because of the optionality their contracts provide.
While Finney-Smith's contract, on paper, doesn't appear to have just one year left, it likely will. He signed a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets last offseason, with the first two years guaranteed, and the next two not.
Whichever team he's on at the conclusion of this upcoming season will have the ability to release him with no financial penalty. Basically, it's an expiring contract.
Teams looking to shake it up could call Atlanta to facilitate a deal
Salary dumps happen all the time. Even Atlanta, last season, dealt Trae Young to the Wizards primarily for McCollum's expiring contract.
Should a star suddenly become disgruntled in their situation and request a change of scenery, Atlanta could be first in line.
Even if they decide to not do much at the deadline, which is unlikely, they'll have plenty of money freed up for what's expected to be a stacked free agency class next offseason.
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