The Anthony Davis trade saga has started to calm down, at least for the time being. As the 2026 trade deadline approaches, the Hawks have a surprising amount of leverage.
No joke. Not many other Eastern Conference teams have as many valuable assets as the Hawks do. Whether that's involving one of their expiring contracts or enticing future draft picks, many teams should be chomping at the bit to begin negotiations with Atlanta.
That's why they've done their due diligence. While not many expected them to be a legitimate suitor for Davis, the idea of a healthy version of him in the lineup next to Jalen Johnson and Trae Young is mighty intriguing.
It could be the move that takes them over the hump, or it could be a colossal mistake, which is why General Manager Onsi Saleh should be cautious with how he navigates a potential deal.
He will be. Hawks fans don't need to worry. Nothing he's shown in his first few months as the organization's top decision maker suggest that he would throw a bunch of valuable assets away for a rental of an aging superstar.
If they can acquire a talent like Davis on a bargain, however, it would be a situation almost too good to pass up on. Let's say bringing in AD only requires Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard and just one of Mo Gueye and Asa Newell. No first-round picks.
It works salary-wise, and Dallas seems to be prioritizing future financial flexibility rather than immediate win-now talent. This trade would allow for them to achieve that goal, while Atlanta would be bringing in an ideal big man to control the paint for years to come.
Hawks could bring in Davis without parting ways with significant depth.
Many would point to the Hawks losing important depth as a reason for them to not go through with it. However, there are several players near the end of Atlanta's rotation who could use more nightly minutes. This would be an opportunity for said players to prove their worth.
One of those players is Vit Krejci. While Krejci is seeing plenty of nightly minutes as a key member of Atlanta's rotation, there could be room for more with the way he's been playing this season.
If Luke Kennard is included in the deal, which he will be if it goes through, Krejci will be depended on much more. This could end up being a blessing in disguise.
Both play a similar role but have major contrasts in their ability to impact the game. Three-point shooting aside, Krejci is a versatile defender, steady rebounder and underrated playmaker.
His size and quickness allows him to keep up with some of the best offensive players in the world and slide into several positions.
Kennard, while still an awesome shooter and solid playmaker, is a poor defensive player. Opposing guards are able to attack him at any given point, providing a real mismatch in an otherwise solid defensive core.
Vit Krejci is a better overall player than Luke Kennard in 2026. No insult to Kennard, but if he's sent to Dallas in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis, Atlanta would be in good shape with Krejci taking on an expanded role.