2025 NBA Draft Odds: The Hawks are Winning the Market

NBANEWS
July 1, 2025

The Atlanta Hawks Are Winning the Offseason Market – and the NBA Odds Still Don’t Reflect Their Full Potential

 

The NBA offseason is just getting started, but the Atlanta Hawks are already shaping up to be one of the biggest winners. And the best part? They’re not done yet.

 

Smart Moves That Changed the Outlook

 

The Atlanta Hawks front office, now under the leadership of new GM Onsi Saleh, has pulled off moves that few expected, but many analysts and fans have praised. The first major shock came Tuesday night, when the Hawks pulled off a multi-team trade to acquire center Kristaps Porziņģis from the Boston Celtics.

Atlanta sent Terance Mann and the No. 22 pick to the Brooklyn Nets, and Georges Niang and a second-round pick to Boston. In return, they received Porziņģis — a player who, when healthy, can transform an offense while providing size, shooting, and interior defense.

However, that move was just the beginning of a more comprehensive and ambitious strategy.

 

A Draft Steal: The Pick That Could Change Everything

 

In the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Hawks made another move that many are calling a stroke of genius. Holding the No. 13 pick, they traded it to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the No. 23 pick and an unprotected first-rounder — the most favorable between the Pelicans’ or the Bucks’ pick.

Yes, you read that correctly: the Hawks will get the better of those two picks, and both teams face big questions. The Pelicans are projected to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference next season, and while the Milwaukee Bucks still have Giannis Antetokounmpo, they’re aging fast and lack the depth they had in previous years.

 

Asa Newell, Atlanta’s Newest Gem

 

With the No. 23 pick, the Hawks selected Asa Newell, a versatile and athletic power forward from the state of Georgia. Despite initially holding the No. 13 pick, they traded down for Newell and a highly valuable unprotected pick, which many now consider one of the smartest moves of the offseason.

Newell isn’t just a local talent — he’s a player with real potential to contribute immediately in Atlanta’s new system. According to GM Onsi Saleh:

 

What Does Asa Newell Bring?

 

Newell fits perfectly into Atlanta’s young, athletic, and dynamic new approach. Offensively, he’s a constant threat in the pick-and-roll, a great finisher around the rim, and a relentless offensive rebounder.

While he’s still developing his perimeter shooting, he has the potential to become a legitimate three-point threat. If he succeeds, he could evolve into a modern, versatile, and hard-to-defend power forward.

Defensively, he can switch onto multiple positions, protect the rim, and run the floor. In short, he adds value without needing to score 20 points per game.

 

One Key Word: Optionality

 

Since taking over, GM Onsi Saleh has emphasized one key word: optionality. The idea is that the Hawks aren’t just improving now — they’re preparing to stay flexible and competitive in future offseasons.

While the Spurs hold swap rights with Atlanta’s pick in 2026, the Hawks have already secured two first-round picks in 2025 thanks to the Pelicans trade. If either ends up in the top 10, Atlanta will have the foundation to continue building, trade for a star, or stockpile more talent.

 

NBA Odds: Why Don’t Bookmakers Believe in Atlanta?

 

Despite these wise decisions and an improving roster, oddsmakers remain skeptical of the Hawks. The current NBA 1st Half Lines are still quite conservative — something that could be great news for bettors who believe in this team’s rise.

For example:

  • Atlanta is +12,000 to win the NBA Finals, lower than the +10,000 they had at the end of last season.
  • NBA 2nd Half Lines for them to win the title are +11,000, and +3,100 to win the Eastern Conference.
  • They’re tied with the Indiana Pacers (+2,200) for the East but trail teams like the Detroit Pistons (+1,600), who haven’t shown the same level of roster improvement.

Oddsmakers don’t yet believe that Porziņģis will significantly move the needle — but that could change very soon.

 

A Balanced Roster With Upside

 

Despite the odds, the Atlanta Hawks have built an intriguing and balanced roster. Porziņģis now joins a frontcourt that includes:

  • Jalen Johnson
  • Onyeka Okongwu
  • Zaccharie Risacher – the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 Draft

In the backcourt, the Hawks still have star point guard Trae Young and now Dyson Daniels, who arrives after a breakout season in New Orleans and won the Most Improved Player award.

At his best, Porziņģis brings elite floor spacing (41.2% from three), rim protection (1.5 blocks per game), and a steady scoring punch (19.5 PPG). If he stays healthy, he could be a game-changer — either as a starter or coming off the bench.

 

Risks and Considerations

 

Of course, not everything is rosy. Porziņģis has struggled with injuries throughout his career and played only 42 games last season in Boston. Although he was a key part of the Celtics’ championship, he also missed critical stretches due to illness.

He’s also on an expiring deal worth $30.7 million, which puts pressure on both him and the Hawks to decide whether he’s worth a longer commitment.

That’s why the front office is still looking for upgrades — and here’s where another asset comes into play.

 

$25.2 Million Trade Exception: The Secret Weapon

 

As part of the trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, Atlanta received Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and a $25.2 million trade exception, which they can use until July 6.

This allows them to acquire a player (or players) whose salaries fit within that amount, without affecting the cap or luxury tax. That means even more flexibility to improve the roster.

Many believe the Hawks are targeting a backcourt piece or a third big man to relieve Porziņģis when needed. A signing like Andre Drummond, Isaiah Hartenstein, or Jonas Valančiūnas could make a lot of sense.

 

Is It Time to Bet on the Hawks?

 

With all these smart moves, the current NBA Odds may be underestimating Atlanta. And for sharp bettors, that’s an opportunity.

Betting on the Hawks now could yield a high return if the team breaks out, mainly if Porziņģis stays healthy and Risacher makes an immediate impact.

Add in a young core, valuable picks, and financial flexibility, and the Hawks could easily make more big moves in the coming months. Don’t be surprised to see them rise quickly in the standings — and in the odds.

 

Atlanta: The Sleeper That Could Shock the East

 

The Atlanta Hawks have done more than move pieces around — they’ve sent a message. This team is no longer stuck. They’re thinking big, both short- and long-term.

 

The NBA’s first-half lines may not yet reflect the franchise’s true potential, but savvy bettors are already paying attention. If you’re looking for a high-upside play, Atlanta might be your dark horse for the upcoming season.

Could they be the Eastern Conference’s surprise team? With their talent, planning, and room for growth, don’t rule it out.

 

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