The Atlanta Hawks are approaching a make-or-break campaign that could reshape their trajectory for years. Trae Young, the centerpiece since 2018, has delivered a deep playoff run in 2021 and high-volume scoring, but the patience of the front office is thinning. After back-to-back seasons hovering around the play-in range, the message entering 2025–26 is simple: win now or brace for change.

This summer, the Hawks made telling moves. They flipped veterans on expiring deals, secured an unprotected 2026 first-round pick from New Orleans, and retooled the roster around Young with Luke Kennard, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker: a mix of experienced role players and proven talent. These weren’t blockbuster moves, but contingency plans. Atlanta’s brass has built a roster that can

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