Hawks Exploring Paths to Acquire Anthony Davis Without Using Trae Young
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The Atlanta Hawks are still weighing ways to land Anthony Davis, according to comments from NBA insider Chris Haynes during an NBA on Prime broadcast. Haynes said the club remains “very intrigued” by the veteran big man but does not plan to include star guard Trae Young in any proposal.
Young holds a $48.9 million player option for 2025-26 and could test free agency if he declines it. With the two-time All-Star off the table, Atlanta would need to build an offer around expiring contracts, draft picks and young players. Haynes noted that the package would almost certainly feature the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, 19-year-old forward Zaccharie Risacher.
Possible Contract Pieces
To match salaries, Atlanta would likely have to send out Kristaps Porzingis and his $30.7 million expiring deal, Haynes said. Davis will earn $54.0 million this season, $58.4 million in 2025-26 and owns a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, meaning any acquiring team is expected to discuss a long-term extension.
Earlier in the week, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that Atlanta had “checked in” on Davis but that no traction had been made. Siegel added the organization might pivot to a less expensive defensive upgrade if it decides to leverage Porzingis’s expiring money.
Fit and Risk
Davis, currently sidelined by a mild right groin strain, has appeared in 16 games this season. Aside from a 76-game outing in 2023-24, he has not topped 62 games in a campaign since 2018-19. Despite the durability concerns, the eight-time All-Star would address a glaring need for Atlanta: defense.
The Hawks have lost five straight and sit 15-17, surrendering at least 126 points in each of their last seven defeats. Opponents are shooting 47.8 percent against them, placing Atlanta 23rd in the league.
Whether the franchise is prepared to part with significant assets—and assume the long-term financial commitment—for a player with Davis’s injury history remains unresolved.
Source: Hoops Wire
