What a different world the Atlanta Hawks are living in now, compared to the start of the season.
Gone is Trae Young and in his place as team leader is Jalen Johnson, the multifaceted All-Star power forward who can do pretty much everything and averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists on the season.
While observers will ridicule the Hawks for their historic Game 6 collapse to the New York Knicks (if you know, you know), the fact is these Hawks are heading into the summer with far more reason for optimism than before.
C.J. McCollum, who was acquired in the Young trade, fits the team so much better than Young ever did with his proficiency playing off the ball and by not commanding a high usage rate.
Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (middle) looks on as Atlanta’s season ends in Game 6 on April 30, 2026.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Elsewhere, the Hawks are loaded with talent at affordable prices, which should provide them with a huge financial safety net moving forward.
Yes, they have some decisions to make, but overall, Hawks fans should enter this summer with hope instead of despair.
2025-26 finish
Record: 46-36, sixth in Eastern Conference. Eliminated by the New York Knicks in six games in the first round.
Highlight of the season
Nickeil Alexander-Walker turning into a 20-point scorer and becoming one of the most effective contracts in the NBA. Atlanta signed him under an entirely different premise, expecting him to become a key role player and added depth. His evolution is worth keeping an eye on.
Players signed for next season
Jalen Johnson
Dyson Daniels
Onyeka Okongwu
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Corey Kispert
Zaccharie Risacher
Asa Newell
Key free agents
C.J. McCollum (UFA)
Jonathan Kuminga (team option)
Projected salary
$116,704,230
Projected draft picks
Nos. 7, 23 and 57
Draft focus: This team is getting good — and quickly. The Hawks need another huge bite of the apple, in the form of — preferably — a guard. Whichever player is left on the board at No. 7 with the most star upside is whom they should pick. Alternatively, using that pick to trade for a young, established player shouldn’t be ruled out.
The Hawks aren’t expensive, and that shouldn’t change even if they pick up Kuminga’s option and re-sign McCollum. They should have the ability to utilize their entire Non-Tax MLE if they stay as an above-the-cap team, which they should.
Needs and goals
Next season the Hawks need to find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference. They’re too talented and too deep to not compete for a high seed. Whatever helps them on their way — be that a top rookie or established help, it’s probably worth it. The Hawks have some flexibility, but it’s essential they make wise choices.
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