Kyrie Irving could become one of the most fascinating names connected to the Atlanta Hawks as the organization continues reshaping its roster after trading Trae Young to the Washington Wizards.
Kyrie Irving Could Be Atlanta’s 1 Perfect Gamble
Atlanta is entering the offseason with several important decisions ahead, especially in the backcourt. The Hawks currently hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and there are expected to be several talented guards available when they are on the clock. While selecting a young guard remains a possibility, the Hawks may still need another proven veteran capable of helping stabilize the offense immediately.
That is why Kyrie Irving makes a lot of sense for Atlanta.
The Hawks reportedly remain interested in bringing back C.J. McCollum, but if both sides are unable to agree on a new contract, Atlanta could quickly pivot toward exploring other veteran options. If that scenario unfolds, Irving would instantly become one of the most intriguing names available.
Irving Could Solve Atlanta’s Biggest Need
One of Atlanta’s biggest concerns entering the offseason is replacing the offensive creation and shot-making it lost after moving on from Trae Young. While the Hawks still possess exciting young talent led by Jalen Johnson, the roster still lacks an elite perimeter creator capable of consistently controlling games offensively.
That is exactly where Irving could elevate Atlanta’s ceiling.
When healthy, Irving remains one of the most dynamic offensive players in basketball. His elite ball handling, shot creation and finishing ability around the rim would immediately strengthen Atlanta’s half-court offense. The Hawks struggled offensively throughout stretches of last season, and Irving’s ability to create his own shot at all three levels would help address many of those concerns.
Irving’s playmaking would also create easier opportunities for Atlanta’s younger players. His veteran experience and ability to control pace could provide much-needed stability for a team still trying to establish itself in the Eastern Conference.
The fit becomes even more interesting if Atlanta decides to use the No. 8 overall pick on Aday Mara. Mara’s rim protection, size and passing ability would complement Irving’s offensive skill set extremely well. Pairing a young frontcourt player like Mara with a proven offensive creator could help balance Atlanta’s roster moving forward.
Too much Kyrie disrespect on my timeline so here are his clutch highlights for the Mavs pic.twitter.com/Wqv9otsrpT
— . (@UncleDrewidk) August 3, 2025
Dallas Could Be Preparing for Change
The possibility of Irving becoming available may not be as unrealistic as it initially sounds.
The Dallas Mavericks recently hired Masai Ujiri as President of Basketball Operations. Ujiri moved on from head coach Jason Kidd shortly after taking over.
Those changes could signal that Dallas is preparing for a major shift around Cooper Flagg after his Rookie of the Year season. If the Mavericks are focused on building long term around Flagg, Irving may no longer align with their overall timeline despite still performing at a high level.
That possibility could create an opportunity for Atlanta to pursue a veteran guard capable of immediately improving the roster.
Hawks Could Take a Smart Risk
There is no denying Irving comes with risks. Durability and long-term availability will always remain part of the conversation at this stage of his career. However, the Hawks are also at a point where taking a calculated swing on elite talent may be necessary.
Atlanta does not need Irving to become the No. 1 option on a championship team. Instead, the Hawks would need him to provide shot creation, offensive leadership and veteran presence while the franchise continues developing its younger core.
Irving’s ability to create offense late in games, collapse defenses and take pressure off Atlanta’s younger players could make him a valuable addition if the right opportunity presents itself.
The Hawks still have multiple paths available this offseason, but if Atlanta cannot re-sign C.J. McCollum and decides to strengthen the frontcourt through the draft, pursuing Irving could become one of the smartest moves the organization considers.
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