Hawks Acquire Center Depth At Trade Deadline

The Hawks recently signed Christian Koloko to a two-way contract. He started two games with Onyeka Okongwu (dental fracture) and Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) sidelined, but Landale likely takes his spot in the rotation. While Koloko’s athleticism and rim protection remain valuable, Landale’s perimeter shooting, rebounding, and screen setting give the Hawks more of an all-around skill set. This trade likely puts an end to Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye’s minutes at center. Before Koloko and Landale, Snyder was forced to play both power forwards at center due to the thin frontcourt depth.

This will actually be Landale’s second stint in a Hawks uniform. Atlanta received the 30-year-old and Dejounte Murray in a 2022 offseason trade with the San Antonio Spurs, but it moved the center a few days later to the Phoenix Suns for cash. This time, it certainly looks like Landale will suit up for the Hawks down the stretch of this season.

Hawks Make Another Low-Risk Move

The Hawks only sent out cash for Landale. No draft capital or other players were involved in the deal, so general manager Onsi Saleh does not risk any negative consequences with this transaction. Landale’s $2.3 million contract also expires this summer, giving Atlanta more cap space and flexibility for the 2026 free agent market.

Atlanta’s 2026 first-round pick goes to San Antonio, but it owns the better of the Milwaukee Bucks/ New Orleans Pelicans’ 2026 first-round selection unprotected. Therefore, the Hawks would benefit from any postseason experience for Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and the rest of their young core. Expect the Hawks to search for more depth before the deadline, especially if they can find it without comitting long term money or parting ways with significant draft assets or young talent.