The Atlanta Hawks are heading into the summer with something they did not have a year ago: room to maneuver. After the All-Star Break, Atlanta went 20-6 and climbed into 6th place in the Eastern Conference before losing to the New York Knicks in six games.
That late surge changed the tone around the team. The Hawks made the playoffs and now have flexibility heading into the summer, with three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft at No. 8, No. 23 and No. 57, plus an $11 million trade exception they do not have to use.
Bench improvement is said to be a top priority for Atlanta’s front office, and the trade exception gives the team a tool to address it without touching every part of the roster. One name that fits within that number is Sam Hauser, who is set to make $10 million next season. He would fit into the exception, giving Atlanta a clean financial path if it decides to chase shooting and depth in the same move.
Another possible target is Gradey Dick, though his numbers tell a different story. Dick shot 30% from three this season, after posting 36.5% from long range in one of the two seasons before that and 35% in the other. Those swings matter for a Hawks team that wants more reliable production off the bench and cannot afford to miss on role-player upgrades.
The larger picture is straightforward. Atlanta’s strong finish bought it time, its playoff run showed the ceiling is real, and the front office now has options instead of pressure. The Hawks do not need to force a trade exception deal, but with three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft and a bench that needs help, the offseason is built around whether they choose flexibility or action.
