The Atlanta Hawks at a Crossroads
The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads with their star player, Trae Young, who holds a player option worth $49 million for next season. While the Hawks do not have direct control over this option, their hesitation to offer Young a contract extension opens the door to reassess their roster, specifically focusing on emerging talents like Jalen Johnson, who is quickly establishing himself as the team’s standout player.
Evaluating the Future
With the unfolding scenario, the Hawks must evaluate whether keeping Young is justified, or if reallocating that significant salary cap space might yield better results as they nurture budding players such as Johnson and Dyson Daniels, last year’s Most Improved Player. Additionally, the rise of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is currently averaging over 20 points and contributing significantly on the defensive end, adds more complexity to their decision-making.
The central question emerges: What kind of players should the Hawks pursue if they decide to move on from Young?
Reports indicate that the organization is amenable to making such a shift. A new point guard would still be necessary; however, this player must be adept at playing off-ball to enhance floor spacing around Johnson. Moreover, with Young’s hefty contract, the Hawks could explore options to deepen their bench, prioritizing wing players who excel in three-point shooting.
Potential Trade Candidates
Potential candidates, like Ayo Dosunmu from Chicago or Naji Marshall from the Dallas Mavericks, could bolster the roster, although the Hawks may need to provide more substantial assets for trades of this caliber. This leads to a broader strategic question rather than a focus on singular players: Do the Hawks see their future centered around an evolving core of Johnson, Alexander-Walker, and Daniels, with an emphasis on development ahead of seeking immediate playoff contention?
Should the Hawks choose to trade Young, they might consider deals that involve expiring contracts and draft picks, prioritizing a long-term strategy over short-term gains. This approach may be challenging, especially with the promising performances from Johnson and Alexander-Walker, but realignment towards a timeline that culminates in 2026 could enable the Hawks to capitalize on player development opportunities more effectively.
Future Considerations
Also, discussions about trading Zaccharie Risacher, last year’s top draft pick, have surfaced due to his stagnant performance, raising additional questions about the team’s future. Although he has not shown the expected growth—averaging just 2.9 rebounds per game with modest scoring—moving him now might not yield the best return given his current low value.
The Hawks must consider whether they are in a position to win now or if preserving Risacher could benefit them down the line. Aligning with Johnson’s development and exploring potential trades should be handled with patience.
Strategizing for the Future
As the Hawks strategize for the future, resourceful management of their young players and the financial flexibility they possess becomes crucial. With Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu performing well at a reasonable combined salary, there is no immediate urgency to make hasty decisions. The Hawks find themselves with favorable contractual situations and a promising draft ahead, making this summer crucial for balancing short-term ambitions with long-term vision.
