The Atlanta Hawks are heading into the 2026 NBA offseason with a mix of young talent, financial flexibility, and key roster decisions looming. With a projected core built around emerging players and several impactful free agents, the Hawks’ next moves could shape their trajectory in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks 2026 Starting Lineup
The Hawks’ projected starting five highlights a youth-driven roster with defensive upside and offensive versatility:
- PG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- SG: Dyson Daniels
- SF: Zaccharie Risacher
- PF: Jalen Johnson
- C: Onyeka Okongwu
This lineup emphasizes length, athleticism, and defensive switching, with Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu expected to anchor the frontcourt.
Bench Depth and Reserves
Atlanta’s bench features a blend of veteran shooting and developing prospects:
- Buddy Hield (PG)
- Corey Kispert
- Jonathan Kuminga (Team Option)
- Asa Newell
- Mouhamed Gueye (Team Option)
Hield and Kispert provide perimeter shooting, while Kuminga remains a key decision point depending on whether the Hawks exercise his team option.
Two-Way Contracts
- R. Dennis
- K. Gilbert
These players will likely split time between the NBA roster and the G League as development pieces.
Projected Salary and Cap Situation
The Hawks are projected to carry a $164 million payroll, which places them below key financial thresholds:
- Luxury Tax Line: $201 million
- First Apron: $209 million
This gives Atlanta some breathing room to operate in free agency while maintaining flexibility for trades or extensions.
Key Free Agents to Watch
Atlanta faces several important free agency decisions:
- Gabe Vincent
- CJ McCollum
- Jonathan Kuminga (Team Option)
- Jock Landale
- Mouhamed Gueye (Team Option)
- Keaton Wallace (Restricted)
- Tony Bradley
- Christian Koloko (Restricted)
The status of CJ McCollum and Kuminga could significantly impact the team’s offensive ceiling and long-term planning.
Draft Picks in 2026 NBA Draft
The Hawks hold three picks in the upcoming draft:
- Round 1: Pick No. 7
- Round 1: Pick No. 23
- Round 2: Pick No. 57
These selections give Atlanta valuable assets to either draft young talent or package in trades.
Available Salary Cap Exceptions
Atlanta has multiple tools available to improve the roster:
- Non-Tax Mid-Level Exception: $15.1 million
- Bi-Annual Exception: $5.5 million
- Trade Exceptions: $11M, $6.7M, $4.5M, $2.3M
- Veteran minimum contracts
- First- and second-round pick flexibility
These mechanisms provide the Hawks with several pathways to add depth without exceeding tax thresholds.
Outlook for the 2026 Season
The Atlanta Hawks are clearly building around a younger core, prioritizing athleticism and defensive versatility. With cap flexibility, multiple draft picks, and key roster decisions ahead, the front office has an opportunity to reshape the team into a playoff contender.
Whether Atlanta leans into development or makes aggressive moves in free agency and trades will define their position in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.