With the Atlanta Hawks moving into another long off-season, the front office is confronted with difficult choices that would change the course of the team.
Following the disappointing loss against the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament, the franchise can now shift its attention to rebuilding its roster and putting an end to a two-year playoff slump. The Hawks might try to recruit two players with strong playoff talent.
Atlanta Hawks Season Recap: Signs of Growth Amidst Disappointment
Although not making the postseason is always a bitter pill to swallow, this year held much promise for Atlanta. Even with injuries to mainstays such as Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela, and Larry Nance Jr., the team was resilient and growing, according to Sports Illustrated.
Dyson Daniels became a defensive presence and the perfect backcourt mate for Trae Young. Meanwhile, rookie Zaccharie Risacher caught everyone's eye, and he became one of the league's best rookies.
Onyeka Okongwu assumed the center spot with authority, and Johnson, pre-injury, was a breakout All-Star waiting to happen.
If the default roster had remained healthy, Atlanta might have easily cemented a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. The foundation is established; however, what lies ahead may make or break the team's rebuild.
Trae Young's Future: Trade or Trust the Process
Most of the offseason hype revolves around star guard Trae Young. While some anticipate the Hawks to shop him around, there remains a legitimate possibility they double down on constructing around him. Young paced the league in assists (11.6 per game) while scoring 24.2 points per game, making him a highly valuable asset despite his defensive shortcomings.
If Atlanta does look to trade him, the package must return draft capital or a young cornerstone asset. The Orlando Magic or Miami Heat might be interesting trade partners, both in dire need of a high-level scoring catalyst.
Trade Targets: Bennedict Mathurin and Jalen Green
If the Hawks are sticking with their core, bringing firepower in through trades might be the way to go. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley proposed two top names:
Benedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers)
A high-upside swingman, Mathurin complements Atlanta's up-tempo pace and adds scoring, athleticism, and defensive toughness. He's still maturing into his role, but with increased offense, he might flourish with or even beyond Trae Young.
Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)
If the Rockets make some changes after a playoff loss, Green might be on the market. A straight-up scorer with electrifying athleticism, he'd be an ideal fit in Atlanta's up-tempo system, particularly in a post-Young situation. While inconsistent, his ceiling is sky-high.
Rebuilding Through Draft Picks
If Atlanta goes all-in on a rebuild, accumulating draft capital will be key. With their own picks already exhausted on prior win-now deals (such as the Dejounte Murray trade), assets regained must be at or near the top of the to-do list for any Young deal.
A bidding war over a 26-year-old All-Star playmaker is not beyond possibility. Offensively needy teams will definitely be calling, and the Hawks need to cash in.
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