Hawks generating draft intrigue as new front office looks to make mark

Something is brewing in Atlanta right now.

Fresh off Tuesday’s surprise three-team trade that landed Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks might not be done. 

All eyes now turn to Brooklyn, where the 2025 NBA Draft tips off on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, and there’s a growing sense that Atlanta is preparing to make a serious offer to move into the top 7—possibly even the top 5.

The Hawks’ draft room is expected to be a mix of nerves and quiet confidence, led by new general manager Onsi Saleh, who’s quickly emerging as a bold and calculated decision-maker. While the team hasn’t tipped its hand on who “their guy” might be, fans have rallied behind Saleh’s aggressive vision for a franchise reset, coining phrases like #TrustInSaleh and “Let Onsi Cook” across social media.

League insiders are watching closely. Atlanta already shocked the league by landing Porzingis without surrendering the No. 13 pick or its trade exception. That move alone signaled a front office willing to take swings to surround franchise star Trae Young with big-time names. Now, the question is what's next for the Hawks?

With the draft just hours away, the Hawks are one of the few teams with the assets and motivation to shake up the lottery. Whether that means moving up for a cornerstone prospect or packaging picks in a blockbuster deal remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: under Saleh, this isn’t the same old Atlanta.

The new era is here. And tonight might be its biggest statement yet.