The Atlanta Hawks may not be preparing to immediately trade for a superstar, but their recent roster moves suggest they are positioning themselves to pursue one when the right opportunity emerges. According to senior NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Atlanta’s acquisition of Lu Dort has placed the organization in a prime position to make a run at a star player who becomes available through the trade market.
Superstar Pursuit Fuels Atlanta Hawks’ Bold Vision
That possibility becomes even more compelling when Atlanta’s long-term financial outlook is considered. The Hawks are projected to have at least $40 million in salary-cap space next summer, giving president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh the flexibility to pursue a major free agent, absorb a significant contract or construct a blockbuster trade without dismantling the entire roster.
One intriguing name who could potentially fit that final option? Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.
Although there is no indication that Edwards has requested a trade or is preparing to leave Minnesota, he is the superstar who makes the most sense for Atlanta’s long-term vision. The Timberwolves guard would be an ideal complement to Jalen Johnson and could immediately elevate the Hawks from an emerging Eastern Conference team into a legitimate championship contender.
Anthony Edwards Would Complete Atlanta’s Young Core
Edwards checks nearly every box Atlanta should prioritize in a potential superstar acquisition. He is an explosive three-level scorer who can create his own shot, pressure the rim, operate in transition and embrace the responsibility of leading an offense during the biggest moments of a game.
His defensive ability would also align with the identity Atlanta has begun establishing around athletic, versatile two-way players. Even if the Hawks were required to part with some of their current perimeter defenders in a blockbuster trade, Edwards would still give head coach Quin Snyder another physical and dynamic presence capable of supporting the defensive progress Atlanta made during the 2025-26 season.
Pairing Edwards with Johnson would give Atlanta two foundational players capable of growing together throughout their primes. Johnson‘s rebounding, transition playmaking and positional versatility would complement Edwards’ scoring ability, while the Hawks’ defensive personnel could reduce the pressure on both players to carry every possession on both ends of the floor.
Anthony Edwards has been frustrated since Karl-Anthony Towns was traded, per @WindhorstESPN @BannedMacMahon: “The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who's available in the trade market” 👀
(h/t @TheNBABase) pic.twitter.com/Rghbj6LSnl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2026
Atlanta could also possess the assets necessary to make Minnesota listen if Edwards eventually becomes available. The Hawks have young players, movable mid-tier contracts and draft capital that could be packaged into a competitive offer, especially if the Timberwolves were forced to prioritize rebuilding flexibility over immediate contention.
Minnesota is not currently at that point, but the organization has undergone significant roster turnover since reaching the Western Conference Finals last year. The Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks, and they have struggled to recapture the same level of championship momentum since breaking up the core that powered their postseason run.
This offseason brought even more changes, as Julius Randle departed for the Brooklyn Nets and Naz Reid was included in a blockbuster trade that brought LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Ball is a highly talented offensive player who can shoot from deep, apply pressure around the rim and create opportunities for teammates, but his arrival does not automatically make the Timberwolves a championship contender.
The Edwards and Ball pairing could produce one of the league’s most entertaining offenses, but questions remain about their defensive compatibility, availability and ability to lead Minnesota through a deep Western Conference playoff run. If the Timberwolves fall short again, Edwards could eventually begin questioning whether the organization can construct a sustainable contender around him.
Hawks Have Created Flexibility for a Blockbuster Move
Atlanta’s strongest advantage in a future superstar pursuit may be its flexibility. Rather than committing all of its resources to short-term upgrades, Saleh has added two-way players who can contribute immediately while preserving the contracts and assets needed to make a larger move later.
The trade for Dort is a clear example of that strategy. He strengthens Atlanta’s perimeter defense without compromising the organization’s long-term direction. His contract also gives the Hawks another useful salary that could be retained as part of their core or packaged in a future blockbuster deal.
Atlanta may have several options if it enters next summer with significant cap space. Players such as Towns, Michael Porter Jr. and Brandon Ingram could headline a talented group of available veterans, while unexpected trade requests will almost certainly create additional possibilities around the league.
Even among those potential targets, Edwards would represent an entirely different level of opportunity. Superstars entering their prime rarely reach the open market. That’s why teams must build financial flexibility and accumulate assets before they know exactly which player will become available.
Some way-too-early 2027 cap space projections:
1. Nets: $68.6M
2. Bulls: $55.6M
3. Clippers: $53.8M (could be $92.2M w/o Kawhi trade)
4. Pistons: $43.9M (w/o long-term deal for Duren)
5. Bucks: $43.3M
6. Hawks: $37.8M
7. Grizzlies: $36.5M
8. Kings: $31.5M
9. Warriors: $28.1M— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 23, 2026
The Hawks appear to be doing precisely that while continuing to improve the roster around Johnson. Their top-six finish last season established a competitive foundation. The additions made this offseason suggest Atlanta believes it can remain competitive without sacrificing the resources needed to pursue a franchise-changing player.
Any discussion involving Edwards remains speculative because no credible report has suggested he is currently seeking an exit from Minnesota. However, Atlanta does not need Edwards to demand a trade today for the possibility to become worth monitoring over the next season.
If Minnesota fails to build another championship-caliber roster around Edwards, pressure could gradually increase on the organization to prove it can maximize his prime. The departures of Towns, Randle and Reid have already created uncertainty, while the addition of Ball may not be enough to convince Edwards that the Timberwolves can consistently compete with the Western Conference’s strongest teams.
That is where Atlanta’s preparation could become meaningful. The Hawks have a promising young core, improving defensive personnel, significant future cap space and enough assets to enter the conversation if Edwards or another superstar eventually becomes available.
The Last Word
Atlanta may not know exactly which star it will pursue, but its offseason strategy has ensured the organization will not be caught unprepared. Should Edwards ever decide that his future belongs somewhere other than Minnesota, the Hawks could have everything necessary to make a compelling offer and turn their superstar pursuit into a franchise-altering move.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
