The Atlanta Hawks shake things up with a blockbuster move for Kristaps Porzingis. Trae Young weighs in, and here’s why this duo could be Atlanta’s secret sauce.
The Atlanta Hawks didn’t wait for the post-Finals confetti to settle before dropping a trade bomb. In a spicy three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, the Hawks scored big by snagging former All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Here’s the breakdown:
🛫 Terance Mann and a 2025 first-round pick (No. 22 overall) are heading to Brooklyn.
🛫 Georges Niang got rerouted to Boston.
🏠 And Porzingis? He’s setting up shop in the ATL.
Now, as someone who lives for NBA drama and fresh roster moves (I practically breathe Woj bombs), I gotta say — this is one of those trades that just feels like a pivot point.
A Porzingis Power Move
Let’s be real: Clint Capela was solid, but the writing was on the wall for his exit. The Hawks needed more offensive versatility and rim protection — two things Porzingis brings in spades. At 7’3″ with a 7’6″ wingspan, he’s basically an avatar built in MyPlayer. But unlike a 2K glitch, KP can actually hoop. He’s got deep range, elite shot-blocking, and the finesse of a guy half his size.
This move pairs Porzingis with Atlanta’s franchise face Trae Young, and you can tell Trae’s already buzzing. On the latest episode of his podcast From The Point, he didn’t hold back:
“Kristaps brings a lot to our team… If he’s healthy for our team, the sky’s the limit… I think, now, I’ll be able to get to the basket even easier,” Young said.
“You have to guard Kristaps now at the three-point line. He’s a threat from the half court up… I’m looking forward to playing with him. I know we’re gonna both make our lives a lot easier.”
🎯 Translation: pick-and-pop nightmares incoming for defenders.
Why It Matters: Trae x KP = Problems for Defenses
Let’s talk hoops IQ. Trae Young isn’t the fastest or flashiest finisher, but the dude knows how to read a defense like a cheat code. With KP spacing the floor, defenders can’t just camp the paint and wait. That’s going to open up driving lanes wider than a Waffle House at 3 a.m.
Plus, Porzingis is no stranger to sharing the spotlight. In Boston, he played third banana behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and still managed nearly 20 points per game on hyper-efficient shooting (50.2% FG, 39.2% 3PT). That’s no easy feat when the rock’s not always in your hands.
The Hawks, meanwhile, have a promising young core — Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher — who’ll only benefit from Porzingis’ championship experience and ability to stretch the floor.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about KP’s stats or Trae’s hype. It’s about Atlanta finally leaning into modern, flexible basketball. A five-out offense with Porzingis and Young leading the charge? Yes, please. It gives the Hawks a legit identity — not just “the team that might make the play-in.”
Pro Tip: If you’re an Atlanta fan, now’s the time to start manifesting a healthier Porzingis season. His biggest enemy has always been injuries, not defenders.
With Porzingis in the fold, the Hawks have officially entered their let’s stop being mid era. It’s a gamble, sure — but one worth taking. And if Trae’s vision comes to life, we’re in for some very fun basketball in the A.
Let’s just hope KP’s ankles are as ready as his jumper.
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