The Hawks could monitor Darius Garland throughout the season as questions remain about Atlanta's long-term answer at point guard.
The Atlanta Hawks are entering the 2026-27 NBA season with a young roster and no player making more than $30 million annually. There could also be a possible trade target for the team to monitor throughout the season.
Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley projected five NBA stars who could dominate trade rumors this season. Last season, the Hawks traded guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, leaving a void at point guard.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland was listed as one of the possible NBA stars who could frequently end up in trade rumors. Although Atlanta drafted guard Kingston Flemings this year, there is uncertainty about how much he will contribute early on.
Darius Garland Could Be a Trade Target
Garland was traded to the Clippers in February 2026 from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He should be a player the Hawks keep an eye on throughout the season.
The Vanderbilt product is 26 years old and can score at all three levels while providing a team with a proven ball-handler. Even though the franchise drafted Flemings, a Garland trade could become manageable because of Los Angeles' recent penalties from the circumvention case.
After being found guilty of circumvention, the Clippers received numerous punishments. Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year, the franchise was ordered to forfeit five first-round draft picks and the team was fined $30 million.
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was banned for six months, business operations executive Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year, and forward Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000.
If Garland becomes available, Atlanta should consider trading for him because the Clippers will be limited in how they can get younger or add talent through the draft. Flemings is a young guard who could help Los Angeles if the Clippers enter a rebuild after Leonard's departure.
Although the 6-foot-1 Garland would have a significant impact on the salary cap, the Hawks could offload young talent while also moving a veteran from an overcrowded frontcourt or backcourt.
Garland Could Fill Atlanta's Point Guard Need
Garland averaged 18.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists while shooting 43.8% from 3-point range and 47.1% from the field.
He could help Atlanta space the floor, run the offense, increase the tempo and provide the franchise with stability at point guard. Garland is only 26 and has never played fewer than 50 games in a season.
The Hawks' projected starting lineup currently could include forward Jalen Johnson, guard CJ McCollum, forward Dyson Daniels, guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and center Onyeka Okongwu.
Garland would give Atlanta another proven creator alongside Johnson and could become one of the more logical names for the Hawks to monitor if the Clippers decide to make him available.
