The Atlanta Hawks approached the 2026 NBA trade deadline with a dire need for depth at center. Onyeka Okongwu looks the part of the future at the position, but Kristaps Porzingis was an inevitable trade inclusion and Atlanta needed an anchor for the second unit.
In a deal that saw the Hawks lose nothing but cash, the franchise found the perfect fit in Jock Landale—and he's already making his mark on the team.
Atlanta acquired Landale from the Utah Jazz in a deal that saw it send cash considerations to its Western Conference counterpart. It lost no players or picks in the move, which only strengthened its deadline efforts that included landing Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and a pair of second-round picks.
Though Hield and Kuminga are the productive players fans are most intent on watching, Landale has already proven to be a dream no-cost acquisition.
Landale dominated his Hawks debut with 26 points, 11 rebounds, six offensive boards, five assists, and four blocks. He shot 10-of-14 from the field, 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and buried one of his two free throws during a 121-119 win over the Jazz.
Though Landale may not go off in that manner on a nightly basis, it was an intriguing look at how he's become one of the most quietly productive reserves in the NBA.
Hawks landed Jock Landale for nothing but cash considerations
Landale has been productive throughout the 2025-26 season. He's currently averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 three-point field goals made in just 23.7 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .521/.394/.670.
Landale's eye-opening production translates to 17.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.8 offensive boards, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Though that is, to some degree, a step forward from Landale, it's not quite as unexpected as it may seem. He actually boasts career averages of 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.3 offensive boards, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
With only slight upticks of 1.7 points, 0.5 rebounds, 0.5 offensive boards, and 0.7 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes, Landale's success is more a product of sustainable improvements.
For the Hawks, adding Landale means improving the spacing, offensive rebounding, playmaking, and even scoring production they generate at the center position. It's also worth noting that he ranks in the 65th percentile in rim protection, the 87th percentile in post defense, and the 98th percentile in screener mobile defense, per Basketball Index.
Considering the Hawks gave up mere cash considerations to land one of the better backup centers in the NBA, they landed a pivotal talent for virtually no cost at all.