This summer marks a massive off-season for the Atlanta Hawks. Following a season full of disappointment the Hawks are in prime position to make drastic changes to their roster in hopes of competing in the Eastern Conference. So let’s look at Atlanta’s upcoming offseason.
2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What’s Next for the Atlanta Hawks?
Season Recap
It was more of the same for Hawks fans this past season, another let-down in the regular season and a play-in appearance. Injuries played a massive part in Atlanta’s 36-46 record, superstar Trae Young suffered a finger injury that kept him out for 23 games midseason. Regardless of Young’s injury the Hawks still were awful defensively. For the seventh consecutive season, Atlanta ranked in the bottom 10 for defensive rating. A lot of that has to do with the backcourt. Both Young and Dejounte Murray are undersized guards, both guys were bottom 20 in defensive rating themselves. The Hawks had three players in the bottom 20 of defensive rating for players to play at least 15 minutes per game and 50 games played.
Despite the defensive woes Atlanta was yet again stellar offensively. Head coach Quin Snyder’s seven-second or less approach to the offense has worked well with the team’s ability to shoot. The Hawks ranked fifth in points scored per game and were sixth in three-pointers made per game. Jalen Johnson broke out into a high-level two-way player for the team as well. Johnson, 22, averaged 16 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. The young wing had career highs across the board despite an injury-riddled season.
The Hawks did not make the playoffs after being eliminated in the play-in by the Chicago Bulls. The loss was rough at the time, but the Hawks were entered into the lottery which they would subsequently win, securing the first-overall pick.
Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks
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10.7 Million 1st Apron Space
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21.5 Million 2nd Apron Space
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1st Overall Draft Pick
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Primary Targets
- Alexandre Sarr
- Zaccharie Risacher
With just a three percent chance, the Atlanta Hawks did the unthinkable and won the draft lottery. This upcoming draft class has been labeled as ‘weak,’ but it does still posses major talent. There were rumors of the Hawks potentially trading down but it seems they have faded, which means they will be on the clock in less than a week.
At this point, it seems the Hawks are between two names. Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher are the two prospects, both are French and come with size. Sarr, 19, played this past year in the NBL in Australia where he averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 stocks. The 7’1″ big has been the consensus top pick for a while before many analysts have switched to Risacher. Risacher averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. In 17 games in the Euro Cup this season the 6’9″ wing shot a staggering 56.1% from three on 3.4 attempts per game. For his career, Risacher is a 47.6% shooter and 40.7% from behind the arc. Neither player is a finished product, however the Hawks will be keen to bring in one of the two to help build a young core.
Risacher seems to be the favorite at this time according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, and the Hawks have been unable to get Sarr in for a workout.
As far as free agency is concerned, Atlanta is in the market for size. The draft will of course help this, but don’t be shocked if the Hawks target taller guards and wings this summer.
Pending Free Agents and Possible Departures
Notable Free Agents
- Saddiq Bey (restricted)
- Garrison Matthews (team option)
- Wesley Matthews
- Seth Lundy (restricted)
- Trent Forrest (restricted)
- Dylan Windler (restricted)
Fortunately, the Hawks won’t be losing many of their key players to free agency. Saddiq Bey is on the restricted market meaning he will more than likely end up back in Atlanta. The majority of the Hawk’s decisions this offseason will be regarding trades.
Trade Pieces
- Trae Young
- Dejounte Murray
- Clint Capela
The future of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray has been in question. Reports make it seem like at least one of the two guards will be on another team by the end of the summer. Without Young this past season Murray had some vintage moments and played like a true all-star. He averaged 25.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in the 28 games Young missed. It makes the decision difficult for the Hawks front office who recognize the importance of moving on from one of the two. As well, Clint Capela has been in trade rumors. This only makes sense with the likely addition of Sarr or Risacher in the draft.
Realistic Off-Season Targets
Trade
If the Hawks deal either Murray or Young to the Lakers it would draw a compensation of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura likely. Of course, the package would include some young prospects and picks as well. The Lakers are one of the teams named in trade rumors for both players. The Orlando Magic have also been in rumors for Trae Young. The Magic are a young team that lacks outside shooting, something Young excels in. In return, Atlanta could receive Jalen Suggs as the main piece in a trade. Suggs is a great young defensive guard to pair with Murray.
No real reports have come out to suggest a landing spot if Atlanta trades one of their stars. However, it seems just a matter of time until the future becomes more clear.
Free Agents
As previously mentioned, the Hawks are likely to target size in free agency. Reports have linked Atlanta to many players that could provide value to their lineup next season, here are a few. Xavier Tillman is coming off an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics where he shot 51.5 % from the floor this season. At 6’7″ he would provide size and strength for the Hawks. Kris Dunn is a former Hawk. He had a great season defensively while shooting 36.9% from three and would be an inexpensive guard option. Finally, Kelly Oubre is another 3&D wing player who could have value if Atlanta moves on from Saddiq Bey. He is also a proven scorer off the dribble, Oubre has averaged 13.1 points in his career on 43.5% shooting.
Overall, this summer is massive for the Hawks. From potentially trading one of their former all-stars, to having the first-overall pick. A lot will change in Hawks country this off-season. They could hit the full rebuild button or opt to try to contend in the next few seasons, the choice is theirs.
