Hawks Trade Rumors: Buddy Hield And The Quest For An Upgrade At Center

The Stein Line originally reported last week that the Hawks are actively pursuing a true center via trade. 

—

“The Hawks are in active trade pursuit of a big man, The Stein Line has learned.

It was not immediately known how broad Atlanta’s list of potential targets is …but they certainly are looking.

For past perspective: New Orleans’ Yves Missi, Orlando’s Goga Bitadze and Dallas’ Daniel Gaffordare all centers that the Hawks have pursued previously and who are generally regarded as available.

Sources said that the Hawks, coming out of the draft, had some designs on trying to test Oklahoma City’s resolve when it came to Isaiah Hartenstein’s availability as part of their push to upgrade the center rotation. They always understood that it would be an extreme longshot, but there was initially some hope that the combination of the Thunder’s decision to draft Michigan’s Aday Mara with the 12th overall pick and second apron concerns might make Hartenstein unexpectedly available. Atlanta, remember, selected Houston guard Kingston Flemings with the eighth overall pick in Tuesday night’s draft, contributing to Mara’s availability at No. 12.”

—

Jake Fischer has now added that Monday could be the day that trade comes to fruition.

Two trades that we’re monitoring today…

The Clippers and Raptors’continuing conversations on Kawhi Leonard, plus the Hawks working on a big addition.

We know Atlanta isn’t going after Goga Bitadze, Hawks fans, as the Magic aren’t talking trade for their reserve center,… https://t.co/W0ftlWsezz

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2026

The center position is really the final piece the Hawks must address before the end of the offseason. Onyeka Okongwu has developed into a real nice stretch big for Atlanta, but his lack of size on the interior was on full display as the Knicks punished the Hawks during their first round meeting in the playoffs. It’s not something Onsi Saleh can overlook if he plans on this team being seriously competitive in the Eastern Conference next season.

Additionally, Buddy Hield’s nearly $10 million salary for next season became guaranteed last night, but Fischer adds the Hawks are actively in the trade market looking to move that contract.

Definitely hearing the Hawks are involved in several trade scenarios that could end up utilizing Buddy Hield’s salary for 2026-27. https://t.co/MZFpVub1vi

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2026

Hield was acquired by the Hawks at last year’s trade deadline but rarely saw the floor. Given Atlanta’s only gotten deeper in the backcourt with the additions of first-round pick Kingston Flemings and Aaron Wiggins, it’s hard to imagine there’s a role for him in Atlanta, but his expiring contract and veteran leadership could make him an attractive piece for a rebuilding organization.

—

(Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)