The Hawks have sought a replacement for Capela. If they’ve identified Nurkić as that player, mission accomplished. The veteran is under contract through 2025-26 at $19.4 million, which helps Atlanta avoid a more significant, long-term investment at the position until it sorts out Trae Young’s next contract (the point guard has a $49 million player option before 2026-27).

Hachimura gives the team a short-term replacement for Jalen Johnson, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Atlanta owes its first-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs, so tanking for draft position isn’t an option. Hachimura will earn $18.3 million next season, giving the Hawks flexibility to decide which players best fit together (Zaccharie Risacher, De’Andre Hunter, Hachimura) alongside Johnson and Young.

The Hawks will stay under the luxury tax this season and next, which is part of their motivation for getting out of Bufkin. Bufkin is also done for the year with a shoulder injury and may never get proper development time with the emergence of Dyson Daniels.

Atlanta maximizes flexibility while staying competitive this season. Along with the two significant trade exceptions (that don’t expire until February 2026), Nurkić and Hachimura will be on expiring contracts. They should be relatively easy to relocate if better opportunities arise.

The Hawks also send out Krejčí, Roddy and Gueye, but they are adding two starting-caliber players. The other incoming players (Davis, Baldwin, Bol and Wood) aren’t as significant but are necessary to make the deal legal. Atlanta also gets a late second-rounder for their trouble.