Realistic Atlanta Hawks trade targets for 2026-27: Aaron Wiggins, Caris LeVert, and Goga Bitadze each offer an affordable, marginal upgrade over a blockbuster.
Atlanta Hawks have been linked to a lot of players in NBA trade rumors. Most of them are stars.
Will they go after Jaylen Brown? How about Donovan Mitchell? Could the Hawks shock the world by acquiring hometown hero Anthony Edwards?
It isn't likely. None of those targets is likely to be a Hawk in 2026-27. Nobody should rule it out, but it's far more likely that if the Hawks make a trade, it will be for a marginal improvement.
In that spirit, here are three players who could improve the team for the 2026-27 season.
Aaron Wiggins, Oklahoma City Thunder
You could go with Isaiah Joe if you prefer. Luguentz Dort is too rich. In any case, the Thunder are expected to try to shed some salary this summer with a financial crunch on the horizon.
The Hawks could help them out. Wiggins was chosen here because he's the more versatile player. His 6'10" wingspan helps him defensively, and even though Joe is the more efficient three-point shooter, Wiggins is a more talented shot creator.
Either could help the Hawks. Neither should be prohibitively expensive. If the Hawks can get one of these Thunder players without giving up first-round draft capital, they should pounce on the opportunity.
Caris LeVert, Detroit Pistons
Hawks fans are familiar with LeVert. He suited up for Atlanta down the stretch of the 2024-25 season after the team acquired him in the De'Andre Hunter trade. How about a reunion?
Granted, LeVert is coming off arguably his worst season. His 7.4 points per game with Detroit were a career low. Why should the Hawks be interested in bringing him back?
Well, remember, these are realistic targets. LeVert shouldn't cost more than matching salary and maybe some second-round draft capital. Moreover, he's also been a talented, if inconsistent, half-court scorer. LeVert can create a bucket when an offense breaks down, and that's one of the skill sets the Hawks need.
Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic
The Hawks have one of the best wing rotations in the NBA. It's generally understood that they have two needs: improved guard play and another big man. They're likely to address one of those needs in the draft, if not both.
Let's say they walk away from the draft without a big. Bitadze could be available. He's a solid, reliable player and a stout rim protector who finishes efficiently in the pick-and-roll.
Like the rest of these targets, he's not perfect. If he were, he'd cost more than he will. Bitadze has always been a floor spacer in theory only. In practice, he basically stopped shooting triples years ago. Still, he's a rotation-caliber big who ought to perform better than Jock Landale in 2026-27, even if he's not the flashiest name the Hawks are linked to.
Hawks Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hawks. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
