Hawks acquire Aaron Wiggins as Thunder turn depth into picks

The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for second-round picks in 2030 and 2032. The move gives Atlanta a rotation option on the wing while Oklahoma City moves a player who had slipped toward the back of its deep roster.

For the Hawks, the appeal is cost and role. Wiggins is reported to be under contract for $9 million in 2026-27, $8.2 million in 2027-28 and an $8.2 million team option for 2028-29, while his recent production includes 17 points per 36 minutes and 39% shooting from 3-point range over the past three seasons.

The fit is not without questions. ESPN noted that Wiggins' efficiency dropped in 2025-26, with his true shooting percentage falling to 54% after stronger marks in the previous two seasons. If he earns meaningful wing minutes in Atlanta, that could also affect how the Hawks balance opportunities for Zaccharie Risacher.

For Oklahoma City, the trade appears tied largely to roster economics. ESPN reported, citing Bobby Marks, that the deal could reduce the Thunder's projected luxury tax penalties by about $61 million, though that figure remains a projection rather than a final league accounting.