NBA Expansion Draft: 3 Hawks players to protect, 2 to make available

Vit Krejci's versatility should keep him out of an expansion draft

Krejci is four years older than Bufkin and arrived via trade rather than the draft, becoming a useful part of the rotation in 2023-24 by happenstance. Now that he is here, the Hawks should do what it takes to keep him.

He is in Year 1 of a four-year, $10.2 million pact and has a club option for the final season in 2027.

The Hawks could exercise their option if they wanted to move him rather than expose him.

Neither option should be on the table with Krejci profiling as a useful piece now who could fit nicely as a role player when the Hawks prove themselves competitors in the East again, which could be this coming season if Young is right.

Hawks: A potential timeline for NBA Expansion Draft

Young’s absence from this list is partly due to his being an unrestricted free agent in 2027-28. But it is also because the Hawks should unquestionably protect him if a draft occurs before his contract runs out, like ahead of the 2026-27 season as ESPN’s insiders report is possible.

Even if the Hawks are unsure they can win at the highest level with Young as the centerpiece, letting him walk (or be drafted) for nothing would be the worst decision.

Fortunately for the Hawks, they are unlikely to face that decision any time soon.