Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[DanSchwartzgan]

I had to guess it will get done as AD for Porzingis + Risacher + Hawks 2026 1st round pick. Maybe they move some pieces around the edges, but that will be the core deal.

Because Atlanta is so far away from the first apron, it is pretty easy to mix and match.  One challenge with Atlanta is they only have 14 players.  So, you can't do an unbalanced trade and take them right up to the apron without leaving them a way to get back to 14 players.  Another advantage of dealing with Atlanta is they have exceptions to work with.  

I agree the KP/Risacher combo for AD combo is the base.  It works with $1.0mm to spare and leaves them $4.7mm under the apron.  Personally, I'd like to send out more salary and get back either Newell or Gueye.  One path is D'Lo for one of those guys.  Doing it for Gueye would force them to convert a 2-way to fill in the required roster slots.  Doing it with Newell creates space for a minimum slot with $77k to spare.  You can also bring expiring Kennard into the picture and do other things (like move on from Martin).  But, the more money Atlanta takes back, the less pick equity you are likely to get.

Atlanta's pick situation is a mess.  I just don't see adding a second rookie in 2026 to a team that already has Flagg, Risacher, the Dallas 2026 and (hopefully Newell or Gueye).  Personally, I'm more interested in Atlanta's 2027 (least favorable of NOP and MIL top 4 protected) depending on what you negotiate if the pick doesn't convey.  I think that has more upside than the middle of the pack pick in 2026 (and no, they aren't trading the good 2026 pick...sorry to those who think they will).  I'd also want a 2028 swap (which basically swaps our OKC pick with the 2nd most favorable of Clev/ATL/Utah).

One interesting element of this that no one talks about is KP.  You probably shut him down to improve your pick.  But, can you get something for a $30mm expiring?  Or, do you bring him back next year on a shorter term deal (team friendly terms, player friendly money).  Or, is he a S&T candidate if he can show he's healthy.  I don't think he's a total throw-away.