The Atlanta Hawks overachieved in the 2025-26 season before losing to eventual champions, the New York Knicks, in the Eastern Conference first round.
However, they could really use some help in the frontcourt, considering Onyeka Okongwu’s struggles against more physical centers.
That’s why names ranging from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis to draft prospect Aday Mara have all been linked to Atlanta before the 2026 NBA Draft.
Why the Atlanta Hawks Are the Best Landing Spot for Domantas Sabonis
In a breakdown of the best and worst landing spots for several trade candidates around the NBA, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus identified the Hawks as the ideal destination for Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis.
Pincus acknowledged that acquiring the three-time All-Star would come with some risk after Sabonis missed a significant portion of last season with a knee injury.
“Admittedly, this one is a risk for the Hawks, as Sabonis missed much of last season with a knee injury,” Pincus wrote. “The assumption is his medicals are clean, the Hawks are comfortable he’ll stay healthy, and the team is passionate about adding a center to the roster.”
Sabonis played just 19 games during the 2025-26 season but remained productive when available, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 54.3% from the field.
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He last featured in a 129-125 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in February. Interestingly, Sacramento won just three of those 19 games he played in.
Pincus believes Atlanta’s roster is uniquely built to complement Sabonis’ strengths while helping cover for some of his weaknesses.
“The Hawks are a suitor for Antetokounmpo and could make another run at Anthony Davis. Still, if neither is available, Sabonis is one of the more talented offensive bigs in the league and a steady rebounder,” Pincus added.
“Where he struggles is on the defensive side of the ball, but that’s a strength of Atlanta’s roster, which features long, rangy, hard-working athletes.”
Now, making this happen won’t be easy or risk-free, as the Hawks won’t give up their No. 8 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Pincus suggested Atlanta could give up No. 23, along with players including No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Zaccharie Risacher, to get a deal done.
“The Kings need to restart badly,” Pincus wrote. “They won’t get No. 8 from the Hawks, but No. 23 for Sabonis could make sense, along with players like Zaccharie Risacher, Buddy Hield, and/or Corey Kispert. Sacramento had previously registered interest in Jonathan Kuminga when with the Golden State Warriors.”
Risacher remains one of the Hawks’ most valuable young assets, but his long-term outlook is no longer viewed as a certainty.
After averaging 12.6 points and finishing runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting in 2024-25, the French wing saw both his role and production decline in Year 2.
His scoring dropped to 9.6 points per game while his minutes fell from 24.6 to 22.4 per night. He also started just 46 games after making 73 starts as a rookie.
To Risacher’s credit, his efficiency remained solid. He shot 45.5% from the field and a career-best 36.8% from 3-point range.
However, he is likely to be limited on minutes with Atlanta’s crowded wing, featuring the likes of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jonathan Kuminga.
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His ball-handling and playmaking ability need work, though he is still seen as a valuable two-way wing with room to develop.
If the swap happens, Sabonis would address one of Atlanta’s biggest needs at center but also come at the risk of sacrificing a 21-year-old whose best basketball may still be ahead of him.
Then again, many also questioned Atlanta’s decision to trade Trae Young for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. But with that move, the franchise also climbed the Eastern Conference standings and secured a postseason berth.
