The Atlanta Hawks' trades this summer have a defensive identity in mind, which is the opposite of the Trae Young era.
Oct 11, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Atlanta Hawks just traded Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard in a trade with the Houston Rockets, getting back Dorian Finney-Smith. It was a move made with defense in mind, because Finney-Smith isn't exactly the best offensive player, especially at this point in his career. So, it's clear that the Hawks are going for a defense-first team. They want to be the opposite of the Trae Young era.
That's smart. The Hawks have a good defensive infrastructure already, and adding another veteran piece who can hold up on that side of the ball should help them cement that. They could run into some offensive dangers, especially considering their lack of offensive talent at the guard position, but their defense should be one of the best in the league.
Atlanta wants to hang its hat on defense. Apparently, that's what Quinn Snyder would like to do. It’s the opposite of what the young era was.
Hawks want to be defense first
Taking a look at the potential starting lineup for Atlanta, there are a few key defensive pieces that immediately stand out. Chief among them is Dyson Daniels.
Two years ago, Daniels was the second-place finisher in the Defensive Player of the Year award race. He has been one of the best defenders in the NBA for each of the past two seasons.
Then, there's the Hawks’ starting center, Onyeka Okongwu. He's a versatile center who can guard the paint but also get out to the perimeter and stick with guards and quicker wings when he needs to. That versatility is crucial.
Guys like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and even Mouhamed Gueye are all solid Defenders as well. But the Hawks made even more moves this summer to add defensive pieces.
Obviously, the Hield trade is the latest of the bunch. They shipped out an offense-minded guard in exchange for a defensive-minded three-and-D forward. A veteran one at that.
But also, earlier this summer, they made a trade for Lu Dort. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and now, he’s going to be a huge part of the Hawks’ rotation. He might even end up starting some games for Atlanta.
After years of focusing on offense with Young at the helm, the Hawks are switching things up. They want to be known for their defense, and they’ve made plenty of moves this summer to make that clear.
Defense is going to be the identity in Atlanta moving forward.
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