The Atlanta Hawks are facing a pivotal moment as they prepare for a must-win Game 6 against the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. With their season hanging in the balance, significant updates have emerged regarding the futures of veteran guard CJ McCollum and head coach Quin Snyder—news that could shape the franchise for years to come.
Thursday night’s matchup is do-or-die for the Hawks, but regardless of the outcome, this season has already been a resounding success. After trading four-time All-Star Trae Young in January, Atlanta underwent a dramatic transformation, posting a stellar 20-6 record after the All-Star break. The emergence of Jalen Johnson as the team’s new centerpiece has been a major storyline, but the acquisition of CJ McCollum in the Young trade proved equally crucial.
Initially viewed as a salary-matching piece, the 13-year veteran quickly became the heartbeat of a young roster. McCollum’s leadership and steady play helped the Hawks secure 46 wins—their most in a decade. However, with his contract expiring and his 35th birthday approaching, questions swirled about his future in Atlanta. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, those concerns can be put to rest: the Hawks plan to bring McCollum back on a multi-year deal this summer, a move that will undoubtedly bring relief to fans who have watched him anchor the team’s resurgence.
While McCollum and Johnson have been the on-court catalysts, head coach Quin Snyder deserves equal credit for orchestrating the turnaround. After taking over during the 2022-23 season, Snyder posted his first winning record with the Hawks this year, guiding them through a major roster overhaul with poise. With just one year left on his contract, speculation arose about whether Atlanta would wait for more proof of sustained success before extending him. But according to Fischer, the Hawks have no plans to let Snyder walk, signaling a vote of confidence in the 59-year-old coach who has finally found his rhythm with this group.
As the Hawks gear up for Game 6, the stakes are high—but the future is bright. With McCollum locked in and Snyder steering the ship, Atlanta is building something special, one win at a time.