Hawks’ 2 best trade upgrade options using Kristaps Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract
The idea of the Atlanta Hawks using Kristaps Porziņģis’ $30.7 million expiring contract as a trade vehicle opens a fascinating path to a rapid roster upgrade. For a team trying to retool around Trae Young without plunging into a long rebuild, Porziņģis’ deal functions less as a long-term commitment and more as a powerful matching-salary tool.
Two types of targets stand out as the Hawks’ best upgrade options: a two-way wing with size and a defensive-minded big who can anchor lineups without needing heavy touches.
First, the two-way wing archetype. Atlanta has long needed a bigger perimeter presence who can defend top scorers, space the floor, and lessen Young’s burden as the primary creator. Porziņģis’ expiring money could be the centerpiece of a package for an established, near-All-Star wing whose current team is pivoting toward a youth movement or trying to shed future salary. From the Hawks’ side, that kind of player would immediately balance the roster, unlock more versatile lineups with Young and Dejounte Murray, and give new head coach and front office leadership a clearer identity on both ends of the floor.
Second, a defensive anchor at center would address Atlanta’s chronic issues protecting the rim and finishing possessions. Using Porziņģis’ contract to absorb a high-level defensive big from a cap-strapped or directionless team would allow the Hawks to stabilize their interior without committing long-term money to an imperfect fit. A mobile rim protector who can survive on switches and run in transition would fit cleanly with Young’s tempo and the Hawks’ perimeter shot creation.
League-wide, expiring contracts of this size are prized because they let teams take big swings without locking in future money. For Atlanta, Porziņģis is less about his on-court role and more about optionality. Packaging his expiring deal with draft capital or young players gives the Hawks a realistic chance to chase either a premium wing or a defensive center, the two clearest pathways to transforming this roster from interesting to legitimately dangerous in the Eastern Conference.
Two types of targets stand out as the Hawks’ best upgrade options: a two-way wing with size and a defensive-minded big who can anchor lineups without needing heavy touches.
First, the two-way wing archetype. Atlanta has long needed a bigger perimeter presence who can defend top scorers, space the floor, and lessen Young’s burden as the primary creator. Porziņģis’ expiring money could be the centerpiece of a package for an established, near-All-Star wing whose current team is pivoting toward a youth movement or trying to shed future salary. From the Hawks’ side, that kind of player would immediately balance the roster, unlock more versatile lineups with Young and Dejounte Murray, and give new head coach and front office leadership a clearer identity on both ends of the floor.
Second, a defensive anchor at center would address Atlanta’s chronic issues protecting the rim and finishing possessions. Using Porziņģis’ contract to absorb a high-level defensive big from a cap-strapped or directionless team would allow the Hawks to stabilize their interior without committing long-term money to an imperfect fit. A mobile rim protector who can survive on switches and run in transition would fit cleanly with Young’s tempo and the Hawks’ perimeter shot creation.
League-wide, expiring contracts of this size are prized because they let teams take big swings without locking in future money. For Atlanta, Porziņģis is less about his on-court role and more about optionality. Packaging his expiring deal with draft capital or young players gives the Hawks a realistic chance to chase either a premium wing or a defensive center, the two clearest pathways to transforming this roster from interesting to legitimately dangerous in the Eastern Conference.
