ATLANTA, December 29, 2025 – The trade market for Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis is heating up, and according to reports, the Atlanta Hawks are leading the charge. Davis has been playing exceptionally well recently, averaging over 23 points and nearly 13 rebounds in his last nine games, helping the Mavericks climb back into the Western Conference Play-In Tournament picture.
Hawks Positioned to Make a Move
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While several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, have reportedly shown interest, Marc Stein reports that the Hawks “do appear to be the most determined suitor for Davis at this juncture.” Atlanta has a clear path to acquiring Davis, leveraging expiring contracts and draft capital to potentially overcome salary-matching hurdles.
Draft Assets and Salary Flexibility
A key component of any deal would involve Kristaps Porziņģis’ expiring contract to offset Davis’ substantial salary. The Hawks also possess Zaccharie Risacher, the recent No. 1 overall pick, whom Stein indicates they are willing to include in a package. Their situation with the San Antonio Spurs, stemming from the Dejounte Murray trade, is now more manageable, with incoming draft picks from the New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers providing additional flexibility.
- The Hawks have the assets to potentially acquire Anthony Davis.
- Atlanta’s willingness to include draft picks is a significant factor.
- Salary cap considerations and the future of Trae Young are central to the deal.
- Other teams, like the Clippers and Kings, could also emerge as contenders.
The Trae Young Factor and Financial Constraints
However, a significant obstacle remains: money. Davis is owed over $58 million for next season, and factoring in a potential extension adds further complexity. The Hawks also have Trae Young’s $49 million player option to consider for the 2026-27 season. Combined with existing contracts for Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, totaling around $85 million, plus the incoming first-round pick from New Orleans, Atlanta’s payroll is already approaching $200 million.
This is particularly noteworthy given the projected luxury tax level for next season is just under $202 million. The Hawks haven’t paid the luxury tax since 2011, and ownership’s willingness to do so for this roster remains uncertain. Stein’s reporting suggests a potential solution: trading Young before he exercises his option this summer. “There is a growing belief leaguewide that the Hawks are more open to trading him away than they’ve ever been,” Stein wrote.
A Challenging Market for Young
However, finding a trade partner for Young may prove difficult. The current market for defensively challenged guards who struggle with three-point shooting is limited, especially considering players like Ja Morant and LaMelo Ball have similarly diminished trade value. Young has missed much of this season due to injury and has shown diminished performance when on the court, posting career-low shooting numbers and generating less value as a playmaker.
Potential Trade Partners: Clippers and Kings
The Los Angeles Clippers emerge as a logical suitor, possessing expiring contracts in John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović, and Brook Lopez. They also need to maintain a competitive presence while navigating a challenging draft situation, owing future picks to Oklahoma City and Philadelphia. Young could provide a short-term boost. The Sacramento Kings, known for their willingness to make bold moves, could also be a possibility, potentially viewing Young as a replacement for De’Aaron Fox.
Ultimately, the Hawks’ pursuit of Davis may hinge on their willingness to reorient the roster around size and defense, a strategy gaining traction in the NBA. Whether they’ll pony up for Young or trade him to maintain financial flexibility remains to be seen. The question isn’t just whether they *can* get Davis, but whether they’re prepared to pay the price.
