The Falcons might be dragging the city down emotionally… But the Hawks are bringing hope back. Young talent. Assets. Cap flexibility. A rising star in Jaylen Johnson. And trade opportunities that most teams wish they had. The vibe is shifting. The energy is shifting. Atlanta basketball might be the thing that brings the city back to life. And if the Hawks make the right moves? Atlanta could be a real threat in the East — not in 5 years, but right now.

Here’s where it gets exciting: We own the Pelicans’ future unprotected first-round pick We have a stack of young players We have expiring contracts And the front office is sitting on enough trade ammo to pull off a midseason blockbuster Not a small move. Not a “depth piece.” A super trade. The kind of move that can instantly make Atlanta a top contender in the Eastern Conference. For the next two years? The Hawks have a real window to shock the league — if they make the right moves.

As bad as the Falcons’ future looks, Atlanta doesn’t have to search far for a reason to believe again. Because right up the street at State Farm Arena, the Atlanta Hawks are quietly building something real, and the whole city can feel it. And let’s be honest — the biggest storyline isn’t Trae right now. It’s Jaylen Johnson. With Trae Young out, Jaylen Johnson has stepped into the spotlight and is playing like the best player on the entire roster. Not just potential. Not flashes. Not “one good...