Could Donovan Mitchell be the missing piece for the Hawks? Atlanta must weigh fit, cost and long-term flexibility in a potential trade.
The NBA playoffs have not disappointed in the 2025-26 season. That said, any team that got eliminated in the first round likely has a disappointed fanbase. As such, there's a strong chance that any of those teams are featured in trade rumors.
The Atlanta Hawks are no exception. The Knicks eliminated them in round one. Now, they're linked to virtually every star in the rumor mill.
Giannis Antetokounmpo? If the Hawks' lottery pick (via the New Orleans Pelicans) lands high enough, why not? Jaylen Brown? Who doesn't love a hometown hero? Donovan Mitchell?
Well, that's just the latest name to join those rumors. Mitchell hasn't been prominently linked to the Hawks - yet.
Ironically, he could be the most sensible target for the franchise.
Mitchell could be a snug fit with the Hawks
Recall that first round match-up again (if it isn't too painful). What was the story of the Hawks/Knicks series?
Partly, Jalen Johnson's play somewhat declined. He was solid, but not as productive as he was in the regular season. By contrast, CJ McCollum elevated his game - albeit to no avail.
That's not to say the Hawks should trade Johnson. They unequivocally should not. This is their franchise player. Johnson needs to improve his half-court scoring, but that's no reason to part with him.
The lesson should be that Johnson needs to be paired with a shot creator. That's Mitchell's forte. He's been one of the most productive offensive guards in the NBA for years.
Is this the right star target for the Hawks?
Hawks should consider Mitchell
Let's back it up a bit here.
Sure, Mitchell is a great fit with the Hawks. That doesn't mean they should set salary space apart for him. This is the other dimension that organizations need to consider in a blockbuster deal.
Mitchell's salary has an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $46 million. That's a hefty sum. The Hawks could work something around Jonathan Kuminga, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and one of Corey Kispert or Zaccharie Risacher, and their lottery pick.
Yet, it takes two to tango. That package could be awfully appealing to the Cavaliers if that pick lands in the top four. That said, if it does, the Hawks would likely be better drafting whichever available prospect they like best. If the pick lands fifth or lower, that's an area where value drops in this particular draft.
Say the pick lands fifth. The Hawks will have to attach all their available draft capital to the aforementioned package to have a competitive offer. They'd leave themselves without future flexibility and a team that still likely won't win an NBA title.
That's not to say they shouldn't do it. At the risk of copping out, this is a difficult call. Johnson and Mitchell could be a force in the East for years, but assembling that group comes at a substantial cost:
Even if it's likely to help the Hawks escape the first round.
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