Early Winners of the Offseason? The NBA World is Buzzing About the Atlanta Hawks on First Day of Free Agency

May 12, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) drives past Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) in the second quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

It has been a big night for the Atlanta Hawks.

One week after trading for Kristaps Porzingis and drafting Asa Newell, Atlanta reached a pair of huge free agent signings tonight. The Hawks signed Wolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million deal in a sign and trade that sent a 2027 2nd round pick (via CLE) to the Wolves. Then, the Hawks signed free agent guard Luke Kennard to a one-year, $11 million deal. Not only that, but they got an unprotected first round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans in a draft-night trade. Given the massive injuries in the Eastern Conference next season, it seems that the Atlanta Hawks are going for it and making moves to put themselves in position to contend.

Social media is loving what the Hawks are doing. Atlanta has been one of the main stories of the night and there has been plenty of reaction to what they have done so far:

Onsi one month as the Atlanta Hawks main decision maker:

-Got off Terrence Mann’s horrible contract
-Brought in a 20/10 Player in Porzingis
- Signed Nickeil Alexander Walker
-Secured a potential 2026 Lottery pick

The future is bright under Onsi’s leadership 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/hYT1KyFMKy

— risasznn (@RisaSZNN) July 1, 2025

Atlanta Hawks front office, please take a bow what an incredible offseason pic.twitter.com/sooHX63hCB

— Wicked Winners (@WinnersWicked) July 1, 2025

the atlanta hawks got a new gm and immediately look like a top 5 team in the east lol https://t.co/AN1m1l2Yyl

— data (@Data__Achievedd) July 1, 2025

We talked on Wednesday night’s draft pod about how much we liked the Hawks as a dark horse in the East — they were 33-1 on @FDSportsbook that night. Now they’re +900, tied for 4th best odds in the East. With good trade assets too. The Hawks!

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 1, 2025

Love that the Hawks are going for it in the way that they are. They’re being smart about long-term money commitments and assets (KP off the books next year and the NOP 2026 pick), but still finding ways to get better.

Onsi Saleh might be REALLY good at this.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) July 1, 2025

Hawks lead by two, 13.7 on the clock.

Out of the timeout, you now have to score against NAW-Dyson-Risacher-Jalen-Onyeka.

Aye man.

— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) July 1, 2025

been awhile since i found myself feeling this positive about a hawks offseason. onsi saleh i wasn't familiar with your game

— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) July 1, 2025

the Hawks front office is absolutely cooking right now 🙏🏼🥹

Trae Young
Dyson Daniels
Zaccharie Risacher
Jalen Johnson
Kristaps Porzingis

Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Luke Kennard
Vit Krejci
Asa Newell
Onyeka Okongwu

Kobe Bufkin
Mo Gueyepic.twitter.com/9Jrrfr3KfF https://t.co/pVtkPIPWcH

— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) July 1, 2025

The Eastern Conference should be SCARED of the Hawks

— The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) July 1, 2025

Hawks were 1st in the NBA in shot quality last season and 2nd in 3 point openness rating but only 19th in 3 point %

Insert:
-Porzingis 41% (41% above the break)
-Kennard 43% (40.8% above the break, 63% right corner, 41% left corner)
- NAW 38% (44% left corner, 51% right corner)

— Demon Onsi (@Preet410_) July 1, 2025

At the moment, I think this is the best Hawks offseason since 2013. https://t.co/T6ZfehmcSP

— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) July 1, 2025