Could Kristaps Porzingis Be Traded By Hawks? Rival NBA Execs Weigh In on Possibility

The Atlanta Hawks could look to trade big man Kristaps Porziņģis prior to this season's deadline on Feb. 5, per Forbes' Evan Sidery, who cited rival NBA executives.

The 30-year-old Porziņģis joined the Hawks last June from the Boston Celtics after a three-team trade also involving the Brooklyn Nets. He is in the final season of a two-year, $60 million contract paying him $30.7 million in 2025-26.

For the season, Porziņģis is averaging 17.3 points on 43.0 percent shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. He's played in and started nine contests, averaging 25.3 minutes per outing.

The Eastern Conference looked wide open to begin this year, although the 10-2 Detroit Pistons may have something to say about that.

However, the Hawks have gotten off to a good 8-5 start, good enough for a fourth-place tie in the Eastern Conference. It's early yet, but the Hawks are just percentage points behind second place.

Atlanta is also faring well despite being without Trae Young, who is out with a knee sprain.

The Hawks have gone 6-2 without their superstar in part because of the efforts of Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who has turned out to be a fantastic offseason acquisition via free agency from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The same goes for Porziņģis, who has been solid in his own right. Porziņģis is a win-now player given his production this year, although he's free to leave after this season in free agency.

Perhaps the Hawks would look at the present and future here if Porziņģis is made available. At the same time, he's clearly helping the Hawks in the present, so it would make sense if the team hangs onto him.

For now, the Hawks are looking to continue their hot stretch, which includes a four-game win streak and seven victories in nine games, on Sunday when they visit the Phoenix Suns.