Onsi Saleh has led a remarkable offseason after turning a roster that finished ninth in the East into championship contenders. As we near the end of the 2025 offseason, Saleh has a strong case for 2025 Executive of the Year, the ultimate award for a GM.
The argument for Saleh is that he completely transformed Atlanta’s roster without sacrificing future cap flexibility and only giving up a late first round pick and a future second. He most notably added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Asa Newell, and Luke Kennard, while shedding Georges Niang and Terance Mann’s salary.
Of course, Saleh’s performance must be tested through the grueling 82 game regular season to determine just how effective his offseason was. However, with the Hawks projected to be a top four seed in the East after a disappointing ninth seed finish last year, Saleh is the early frontrunner for the coveted award.
Saleh has put on an absolute masterclass of an offseason
Saleh’s resume begins with the acquisition of Porzingis for Niang, Mann, and the 2025 22nd overall pick. Porzingis provides the Hawks with a propotypical stretch five to pair with a team loaded with slashing talent. Standing 7’2, Porzingis is one of the league’s premier rim protectors while shooting 41.2% from downtown on 6.0 attempts per game. Offensively, he provides an elite pick and pop partner for Trae Young and adds much needed length on defense.
Trading away Mann and Niang is another win for the Hawks. Mann is set to begin a 3-year, $47 million deal that ends when he is 31 years old. It is unlikely Mann will produce at the level he is getting paid at for the remainder of his contract, and the Hawks replaced his 3-and-D role on the bench with Alexander-Walker. Niang is in the final year of his contract, earning $8.2 million this year. While Niang is a lethal threat from deep, Saleh again replaced him with a higher caliber player in Luke Kennard.
Saleh’s second move of the offseason was to acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a sign-and-trade for a 2027 second round pick. This was an excellent move for Atlanta, as they added one of the best two-way bench players without overpaying. Alexander-Walker has been an essential part of the Timberwolves’ two consecutive conference finals runs, earning significant playing time as Minnesota’s sixth man. He adds 3-point shooting and defense to a bench unit that sorely lacked both.
On draft day, Saleh continued the tradition of fleecing the New Orleans Pelicans, trading back from the 13th pick to the 22nd pick while picking up the Pelicans’ 2026 draft pick. Atlanta was rumored to be interested in selecting Asa Newell at 13, but managed to grab Newell nine spots later while also gaining the New Orleans pick. Newell looks better than expected in summer league, and the New Orleans pick is one of the most exciting draft assets for next season.
The final move that will dictate the Hawks’ playoff outlook was signing Kennard. While Saleh did overpay Kennard, he was brought in on a one-year deal that does not have any long term effects on the club. Kennard’s skill set as a knockdown shooter and capable bench playmaker fits Atlanta’s needs perfectly, as they have desperately needed an offensive spark plug like Kennard off the bench.
Saleh has turned a franchise with a gloomy outlook into one of the most exciting rosters heading into next season. Barring major injuries, Atlanta has its best chance of winning a title in recent memory, assembling a roster that is better (on paper) than the 2021 squad that nearly won the Eastern Conference Finals.
While some holes still remain, such as a battle-tested backup point guard and a third string center to back up the injury-prone Porzingis, Saleh has had one of the best offseasons in recent memory. The man deserves his flowers and will be in serious consideration for Executive of the Year.