TITLE: Hawks eye development, possible roster moves after 51-point playoff exit
SLUG: hawks-eye-development-after-playoff-exit
CONTENT:
The Atlanta Hawks are turning their attention to the offseason after Thursday night’s crushing 136-85 loss to the New York Knicks closed out a first-round series in six games at State Farm Arena.
General manager Onsi Saleh told reporters Friday that, despite the 51-point defeat, the organization views 2025/26 as a step forward and believes a higher ceiling remains.
“The best version of ourselves is yet to come,” Saleh said. “Everybody is really pissed off, frustrated from yesterday, and that’s a good thing… There’s a focus for next season already for our group, and that’s going to be super exciting.”
Draft capital and development priority
Atlanta owns two first-round selections in June, including one lottery pick. Saleh confirmed the club will stick with a best player available strategy.
“We’re not one player away,” he noted. “The best iteration of this team is going to be through development and our players currently getting better.”
Snyder’s future
Head coach Quin Snyder enters the final year of his contract next season. According to recent reporting from The Stein Line, the Hawks are open to an extension, and Saleh echoed strong support.
“He has been an unbelievable partner in all of this,” the GM said. “We talk every day.”
Player reactions
All-Star forward Jalen Johnson labeled the postseason exit “a big learning experience” and vowed improvement. Guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Snyder offered similar sentiments, stressing growth for a largely inexperienced playoff roster.
Offseason outlook
In a detailed breakdown, The Athletic’s John Hollinger projected Atlanta may explore trades involving wings Zaccharie Risacher or Corey Kispert after limited first-round minutes. Hollinger added that the club is positioned to remain over the salary cap while retaining ample flexibility.
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks listed decisions on CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga among the front office’s top priorities.
Atlanta’s front-office and coaching staff now begin preparations for the draft, free agency and potential trades as they attempt to turn Thursday’s disappointment into long-term progress.
Source: Hoops Rumors
