NBA Trade Rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo Linked To Brooklyn Nets Trade 7 Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) dribbles the ball under pressure from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

'He’s Going to Make Our Team Better' – Atlanta Hawks Exec Explains Why He’s Excited About Their Latest Signing

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:39 AM ET

The Atlanta Hawks continue to retool their roster around Trae Young this offseason, and they recently added one of the league’s most accurate three-point shooters to bolster their offense.

The team signed Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million deal , and the former Duke Blue Devils star drew some massive praise from Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh.

“We’re excited to add Luke to our group. Luke is a great connector. He’s an elite shooter and proven playmaker with a high basketball IQ and team-first mentality. He fills multiple needs for us, and we believe he’s going to make our team better,” Saleh said about Kennard in the press release.

Feb 25, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Kennard played 65 regular season games for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024-25, averaging 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from three-point land. The 29-year-old swingman has shot at least 40 percent from deep in each of his past five seasons.

Atlanta Hawks Rumors: Analyst dishes on Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis’ contract situations

The Atlanta Hawks have a stronger roster following their recent acquisitions, and the only thing left for them to do is to weigh possible extensions for Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis. The Athletic’s John Hollinger recently said that Porzingis is on a trial run given his injury history.

Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young Gets 100% Honest on His Ejection During Play-In Loss Vs. Orlando Magic 13 Mar 3, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts after a delay of game call during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“Arguably, the trickier of the two is Porziņģis, whose deal for $31 million expires next summer. He turns 30 in August and hasn’t played more than 66 games in a season since his rookie year. The good news for Atlanta is that it can do a bit of a trial run before it commits, as Porziņģis is eligible to be extended in-season,” Hollinger explained.

“There seems to be a solid resolution here that would keep Atlanta’s flexibility: a new deal with 5 percent raises that would keep Porziņģis trade-eligible,” he continued. “Extending him for two years and $67 million would more or less be in line with his market value without stunting any of Atlanta’s deal-making options.