Atlanta filled a major need with a rising two-way wing who’s just entering his prime. A bold yet calculated move.
Sharpshooting depth: Luke Kennard
Replacing Caris LeVert with Luke Kennard, the NBA’s active leader in career 3-point percentage (43.8%), was another shrewd pivot. Kennard inked a one-year, $11 million deal that gives Atlanta flexibility while giving Trae Young a reliable floor-spacer. While a Kennard-Young backcourt could be vulnerable defensively, smart rotation management can mitigate that risk.
Grade: B+An efficient, low-risk deal for elite shooting. Strategic floor-spacing insurance.
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Low-risk depth bet: Jacob Toppin
Jacob Toppin was signed to a two-way deal, a flyer on athleticism and motor. While he’s unlikely to crack the main rotation soon, Toppin showed flashes in the Summer League and could thrive in a high-tempo second unit or G-League setting. For the cost, it’s a worthy experiment.