It’s become very obvious why the Hawks fired Landry Fields

The Hawks’ offseason began with a surprising move — firing Landry Fields. Even though the season ended in disappointing fashion, there was a real shift in the organization.

Trae Young was taking steps as a leader. Dyson Daniels emerged as a significant contributor. Zaccharie Risacher developed into a legitimate shooter who is just scratching the surface as a player, and Jalen Johnson was an All-Star before the injury.

It looked like the core was in place for Landry Fields to take it to the next level. Then, news broke that the Hawks had fired him. The guy responsible for bringing in Daniels and Risacher, along with a slew of other positive moves, was ousted.

It puzzled many… until now. Onsi Saleh was hired on May 2, 2024. About a month later, the Hawks drafted Risacher over Alex Sarr and Reed Sheppard. Another month later, the club traded Dejounte Murray for Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks.

It could just be chalked up as a coincidence, but since the Hawks fired Fields, with Saleh taking over, they’ve literally only made good moves. The club’s new GM got off Terrence Mann’s bad contract and got back Kristaps Porzingis while only giving up the 22nd overall pick. He then turned around and traded the 13th pick for an unprotected 2026 first-rounder (more favorable between the Pelicans and Bucks) and the 23rd overall pick.

Saleh drafted Asa Newell with that selection and began the free agency period by using the club’s trade player exception to acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Then, Saleh ended the first day by inking Luke Kennard to a one-year deal.

The Hawks have the fourth-best odds to come of the Eastern Conference, and their most valuable asset might not even be on the roster right now. That 2026 first-round pick could turn into a top 3 pick and a generational talent, or perhaps used to lure Giannis Antetokounmpo to Atlanta in a trade.

Simply put, Onsi Saleh was very clearly the reason why Tony Ressler and management fired Landry Fields. The Hawks appear to be in very good hands.