Is it ever too early to begin looking ahead to next offseason?
This isn't out of dread for the upcoming season, because there's plenty to be excited about in Hawks land. It's more like an additional reason for optimism. Many good things can happen at once, and Atlanta should always welcome that opportunity.
Aside from the fact that they're looking to compete in the Eastern Conference next season - aiming for a deeper playoff run than the year prior - they're expected to have a whole lot of spendable money once the year is concluded.
It's unclear how much of it they'll actually spend, but given the front office's aggressive nature over the last couple of years, there's reason to believe they won't just let it go to waste.
Hawks' flexibility gives them max money next summer
The unexpected Zaccharie Risacher/Lu Dort trade opened up more financial flexibility, as Atlanta's acquisition has one year remaining on his contract. They would've had to weigh accepting Risacher's expensive team-option or not.
Granted, they could look to give Dort an extension, but it will likely depend on how this upcoming season shakes out. Success will be rewarded as the Hawks look to finally make some real noise.
If they end up letting all of their expiring contracts expire, Atlanta could have "up to $50 million in cap space next summer," ESPN's Bobby Marks noted.
Who could be available to spend that money on?
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant, Brandon Ingram, Kyrie Irving and more.
Some pretty solid basketball players.
While some of the guys listed are expected to sign an extension soon, as of now, they're set to hit free agency in 2027.
Atlanta wouldn't traditionally be a top landing spot for the undeniable best free agents, but this time around, they could make a pretty compelling case.
Hawks will be one of the few competitive teams to have available money
Every single top free agent will want to go somewhere they can win. Realistically. The other franchises expected to have spendable money are the Nets, Bulls, Warriors, Clippers, Grizzlies, Bucks, Pelicans and Kings.
Atlanta, as currently constructed, is expected to outperform all of their flexibility-mates next season.
They have one of the best defensive-oriented rosters in the league, and could just be missing that one star to take them over the hump.
They'll have a real chance to attack next summer. But for now, it's time to turn some heads in the 2026-27 season.
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