The Atlanta Hawks are laser-focused on ending the regular season on a high note and making the playoffs, but the offseason standing could make or break it for the team.
Aside from its multiple free agents, the Hawks will need to evaluate their future with Trae Young's contract extension. This could mean that they will sign an important piece for the roster. One rumored player on the trade block is Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers, who could be a backup for Onyeka Okongwu.
Center Position Dilemma: Okongwu or a New Starter?
According to Sports Illustrated, Onyeka Okongwu has taken his chance, moving into the starting center position and putting up impressive statistics: 12.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 57% from the field. His defensive growth makes him a good bet for the future. The Hawks, though, still have to work on center depth, whether that's via trade or free agency.
This might mean many things including a new starter or a backup big man for Okongwu.
Read more: Mavericks Assign Anthony Davis to NBA G League's Texas Legends As He Recovers From Injury
Robert Williams III Could Be the Option
A potential candidate is Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III. Williams is an elite defender, according to Bleacher Report. He can strengthen Atlanta's defense, but injury issues are a concern.
Williams has appeared in only 20 games this year and has exceeded 52 games only once in his entire career. His $13 million contract next year is reasonable, but expecting him to perform implies the Hawks would have to find a reliable backup if he gets injured.
Previously, he was under the radar of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets. However, he hasn't been traded during the trade deadline. The Hawks could pick him up this time.
Balancing Risk and Reward with Williams
If the Hawks sign Williams, they would need to add a third center to the team, particularly given his history of injuries. Larry Nance Jr. played that spot this season before he got injured, and Atlanta might look at bringing him back as insurance.
Another choice would be to use one of their possible first-round picks to draft a center, but going with a rookie could be risky if Williams continues to be injury-prone.
Trae Young and Dyson Daniels Extensions Pending
Trae Young is still the focal point of the Hawks' offense, but his contract extension would have the potential to mold the cap flexibility of the team. At the same time, rising star Dyson Daniels will also need an extension, putting pressure on the Hawks to weigh talent retention against cap flexibility.
Signing both players would strengthen the core of the Hawks but might prevent them from going for high-impact upgrades in free agency.
Free Agents: Who Will Remain in Atlanta?
The Hawks have difficult choices to make with the top free agents, such as Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., Caris LeVert, and Garrison Matthews. Capela's defensive effort and rebounding have been crucial, but with Onyeka Okongwu emerging as a starting-level center, this could be a changing of the guard.
All of them are valuable assets in their respective roles, but Atlanta knows that this could also hinder them from getting a new talent.
Draft Options: Finding Young Potential
The Hawks may utilize one of their first-round selections, presuming the Sacramento Kings' top-12 protected pick transfers, to take a young center with potential. Having instant faith in a rookie to serve as Williams' backup or eventual replacement might place undue pressure on the club if injuries revisit, though.
Free Agency: Bringing Depth on a Budget
If Williams trading appears too much of a gamble, the Hawks might turn to free agency as a means to acquire steady, low-priced fill-ins to provide depth behind Okongwu or to play the center position. The aim would be to have a rugged big man who can come in as needed without diminishing defensive ferocity.
Golden State could get Williams from Portland, but if only the Jakob Poeltl trade won't happen.
© Copyright 2025 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
