Sun Feb 22 19:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Hawks and Nets Face Off in Post-Trade Landscape

The Story:

The Brooklyn Nets, mired in a three-game losing streak, prepared to face the Atlanta Hawks, who were reeling from a 31-point defeat. This matchup was particularly interesting given the Hawks’ recent roster shakeup, including the high-profile trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, as well as the trade of Kristaps Porzingis for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. The Nets were hoping for a strong performance from Michael Porter Jr. to break their losing streak, while the Hawks looked to Jalen Johnson, now the focal point of their franchise, to lead them to victory.

Key Points:

  • The Brooklyn Nets were on a three-game losing streak.
  • The Atlanta Hawks were coming off a 31-point loss.
  • Trae Young was traded to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
  • Kristaps Porzingis was traded for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
  • Jalen Johnson is now the key player for the Atlanta Hawks, coming off an All-Star appearance.
  • Michael Porter Jr.‘s recent shooting slump has coincided with the Nets’ losses.
  • Nic Claxton returned for the Nets after missing two games due to an ankle sprain.
  • Nolan Traore’s growth in the starting lineup is being closely watched.

Critical Analysis:

The Hawks’ management clearly decided to rebuild around Jalen Johnson, trading away established stars like Young and Porzingis to acquire younger players and assets. The article suggests the Young trade might not have yielded optimal returns, with the analyst stating they “dealt Young at his lowest value and netted just so little in return.” The Hawks are betting on Johnson’s potential and the development of players like Nolan Traore. For the Nets, Porter Jr.‘s performance is crucial to their success, highlighting a potential over-reliance on his scoring ability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Atlanta Hawks have fully embraced a new era, prioritizing youth and development over established stars.
  • The trade of Trae Young represents a significant gamble by the Hawks, with the success of Jalen Johnson being paramount to its justification.
  • The Brooklyn Nets are heavily reliant on Michael Porter Jr.‘s scoring output, and his struggles directly correlate with their losses.
  • Nolan Traore’s development is a key area of focus for the Hawks.
  • The Hawks are trying to address their interior defense issues.

Impact Analysis:

The Hawks’ decision to rebuild around Jalen Johnson will significantly impact their long-term trajectory. If Johnson develops into a true franchise player, the trades could be viewed as shrewd moves that accelerated their timeline. However, if Johnson fails to reach his full potential, the Hawks could face years of mediocrity. The Nets, on the other hand, must address their offensive consistency and reliance on Porter Jr. to avoid becoming a lottery team. The success of the Trae Young trade will be debated for years to come, shaping the legacies of both the Hawks’ management and Young himself. The development of players like Nolan Traore will also be crucial to the Hawks’ future success.

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