The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a crossroads as the February trade deadline approaches in the 2023-24 NBA season. The echoes of their remarkable 2020-21 campaign, which saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals, have faded into the background. Despite the soaring expectations, the current season has been a struggle, with a 14-21 record placing them at the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference.
Notably, the decision to trade for Dejounte Murray in 2022 failed to replicate the success of the previous year’s playoff run. Now, facing a challenging landscape, the Hawks must evaluate their roster, considering potential trade candidates, realistic targets, and identifying untouchable players to chart a course for a more promising future. In this guide, we explore the possibilities and pivotal decisions that await the Atlanta Hawks as they navigate the trade deadline landscape.
Trade Candidates
– Clint Capela ($20.6M), Dejounte Murray ($18.2M), Patty Mills ($6.8M), Bruno Fernando ($2.5M), Wesley Matthews ($2.0M), Garrison Mathews ($2.0M)
Clint Capela has been a stalwart presence in the paint for the Atlanta Hawks, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. With an impressive stat line of 11.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, Capela’s impact in the paint is undeniable. However, his substantial contract makes him a potential trade candidate as the Hawks look to balance their roster and explore avenues for improvement. Teams in need of a rim-protecting center could view Capela as a valuable asset to bolster their frontcourt.
Despite his individual brilliance, Dejounte Murray’s arrival in 2022 hasn’t translated into the team success the Hawks experienced in their 2020-21 playoff run. Averaging 20.9 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, Murray has showcased his versatility. Although, with the team struggling this season, there’s speculation about his fit within the current roster. The Hawks may consider exploring trade options for Murray to address other areas of need and potentially reshape their backcourt.
Patty Mills, known for his sharpshooting and veteran leadership, has played a modest role for the Hawks this season, averaging 2.1 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. While his experience can be valuable, his contract size relative to his on-court contributions may make him an attractive trade piece for teams seeking a reliable perimeter shooter off the bench.
Bruno Fernando, with limited playing time, has posted modest averages of 2.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks per game. As a cost-effective option, Fernando might be an enticing trade asset for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt depth. The Hawks could explore deals involving Fernando to potentially acquire assets or streamline their roster for greater efficiency.
Wesley Matthews, contributing 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game, provides a veteran presence on the Hawks’ roster. However, given his limited playing time and the team’s need for flexibility, Matthews becomes a trade candidate. Teams in need of a seasoned perimeter defender might express interest in acquiring Matthews, and the Hawks could leverage his contract for strategic roster adjustments.
Garrison Mathews, with averages of 2.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game, has shown glimpses of scoring potential off the bench. As a cost-effective trade option, Mathews could attract interest from teams seeking perimeter shooting and depth.
Realistic Targets
– Zach LaVine ($40.0M), DeMar DeRozan ($28.6M), Pascal Siakam ($37.8M), Austin Reaves ($12.0M), Kyle Kuzma ($25.5M)
Zach LaVine, boasting averages of 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, finds himself in the midst of trade rumors as the Bulls seek to rebuild. Despite his impressive numbers, LaVine’s market value isn’t gaining substantial traction, making him an intriguing target for teams looking to acquire a high-caliber scorer at a potentially discounted rate. With the Bulls aiming to part ways with their stars for minimal return, the Atlanta Hawks might explore the possibility of bringing LaVine on board to inject offensive firepower into their lineup.
Potential Trade Package for Zach LaVine: Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic
DeMar DeRozan is posting averages of 22.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds this season, as he presents another opportunity for the Hawks. The Bulls, eager to rebuild, are making their stars available for trade, and DeRozan’s expiring contract adds an intriguing element. Despite his stellar performances, DeRozan’s availability might not generate significant interest in the market, potentially allowing the Hawks to acquire the seasoned scorer without sacrificing key assets.
Potential Trade Package for DeMar DeRozan: Clint Capela, Sadiq Bey, 2024 second-round pick
Pascal Siakam recently dodged a trade to Sacramento due to his reluctance to commit long-term. Averaging 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists as an expiring contract, Siakam could be a valuable addition for the Hawks seeking flexibility and versatility. The failed trade attempt suggests the Raptors are finally open to moving him, presenting the Hawks with an opportunity to secure a dynamic forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
Potential Trade Package for Pascal Siakam: De’Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey, Kobe Bufkin, Bruno Fernando
The Los Angeles Lakers, expressing interest in Dejounte Murray, could offer Austin Reaves, who is averaging an impressive 15.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Reaves’ solid all-around game makes him an enticing trade asset for the Hawks. The Lakers’ pursuit of Murray may open the door for Atlanta to engage in discussions, potentially involving Reaves as part of a larger trade package to address the Hawks’ needs.
Potential Trade Package for Austin Reaves: Dejounte Murray
At 28 years old and with averages of 22.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, Kyle Kuzma could be a valuable addition for the Hawks. Playing for the non-contending Wizards, Kuzma may be available at a reasonable cost for a team looking to make a playoff push. Atlanta, aiming to reshape its roster, might consider exploring the possibility of acquiring Kuzma to add scoring and experience to their lineup.
Potential Trade Package for Kyle Kuzma: De’Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey
Untouchable Players
– Trae Young, Jalen Johnson
In the midst of a transcendent season, Trae Young has elevated his game to new heights, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier talents. Averaging an astounding 27.8 points, 11.0 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, Young has become the unequivocal engine driving the Atlanta Hawks. His scoring prowess is marked by a remarkable 43.2% field goal percentage and a sharpshooting 36.8% from beyond the arc, underscoring his ability to score at will and stretch defenses.
Recognized as the face of the franchise, Young’s importance to the Hawks extends far beyond individual statistics. His infectious energy and leadership qualities have played a pivotal role in fostering a winning culture in Atlanta. As the team looks to navigate through the challenges of the current season and beyond, Trae Young stands as the unwavering pillar around which the Hawks will continue to build and aspire for sustained success.
In a breakout season, Jalen Johnson has transformed from a promising prospect to an essential component of the Atlanta Hawks’ future. With averages of 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, Johnson’s versatility has added a dynamic dimension to the team. His growth and impact have earned him a permanent place in the starting lineup, showcasing his ability to contribute across various aspects of the game. Described as untouchable by the Hawks’ management, Johnson’s ascent solidifies him as a foundational player alongside Trae Young.
The organization recognizes his potential not just as a current contributor but as a linchpin for future success, marking him as a cornerstone in the Hawks’ ongoing narrative of building a formidable and sustainable contender.
