Atlanta Targeted Mills During a Busy Offseason
The Hawks acquired Patty Mills from Oklahoma City in July 2023, sending the Thunder TyTy Washington Jr., Usman Garuba, Rudy Gay and a future second-round choice tied to 2026. Mills had won a championship earlier in his career and remained a recognizable veteran point guard. Atlanta wanted an experienced bench presence while adjusting younger roster players. Oklahoma City accepted multiple contracts and a draft asset as it continued reshaping the fringes of its roster.
Mills Filled a Narrow Hawks Guard Role
Mills gave Atlanta veteran ball-handling experience and a reliable professional presence, though his playing opportunities were limited compared with his earlier years in San Antonio and Brooklyn. The Hawks didn't acquire him as a replacement for their leading scorer or an unquestioned new starter. His leadership and availability mattered more than a major boost in box-score totals. The relevant receiving-team value is the period he actually spent in Atlanta, not championships won for another franchise.
The Thunder Acquired Contracts and a Future Choice
Oklahoma City took Washington, Garuba and Gay, with the veteran and younger players each having different roster possibilities. Their arrivals did not all translate into sustained Thunder playing roles, which makes the incoming second-round asset an important piece. The 2026 choice was a future right at the time and depended on subsequent transactions to determine its final effect. The club also gained opportunities to manage contracts and create space for its younger core through follow-on moves.
The Grade Gap Reflects Oklahoma City's Flexibility
Atlanta obtained a short-term veteran guard who could support a developing roster, whereas Oklahoma City received multiple movable components and a draft chance. The inherited Thunder B+ credits those combined options over Mills's comparatively small Hawks stint. It would exaggerate the deal to assume Washington, Garuba and Gay all became important Thunder rotation players. The more reliable conclusion is that Oklahoma City generated flexibility and extra draft value in a transaction aimed largely at roster management.
Final Verdict
Oklahoma City Thunder Win. Oklahoma City receives B+ for TyTy Washington Jr., Usman Garuba, Rudy Gay and a future 2026 second-round asset, primarily useful as roster and draft flexibility. Atlanta gets C for veteran Patty Mills, whose Hawks playing role was limited. The Thunder collected a broader package even though not every acquired player established a lasting rotation position.