The biggest move the Atlanta Hawks made this summer is the one that no one seems to be talking about. Atlanta traded Kristaps Porzingis at the Boston Celtics’ summer firesale, as well as signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency. The moves are a clear signal from the front office that Atlanta is trying to compete in a suddenly wide-open Eastern Conference.

Arguably, the most important deal the Hawks made didn’t draw nearly as much attention: Trading down from pick 13 to pick 23 in the NBA Draft in exchange for either the Milwaukee Bucks’ or New Orleans Pelicans’ 2026 unprotected first rounder. Atlanta will receive the more favorable of those two selections. In trading down, the Hawks not only were able to draft a player they were already reportedly seeking at 13 in Georgia big man Asa Newell, but they also received a 2026 pick that has the potential to be valuable. The Pelicans were a Western Conference cellar team a year ago and didn't exactly make great improvements this offseason, while the Bucks are an extended Giannis Antetokounmpo absence away from free-falling down the East standings. There’s a real possibility Atlanta general manager Onsi Saleh netted the team a high lottery pick in what is projected to be a loaded 2026 draft class.

The move is especially important considering the Hawks don’t have their own 2026 pick as a result of 2022’s Dejounte Murray trade with the San Antonio Spurs. If it becomes as valuable as some are projecting, Atlanta could draft a potential franchise cornerstone while remaining competitive, a rarity in today’s NBA.

After a nightmarish last few seasons that have resulted in zero playoff series wins since 2021’s Eastern Conference Finals trip, the Hawks now seem poised for a winning future.