Hawks Eye Trades, Cap Space for 2024 Reboot
After another early playoff exit, the Atlanta Hawks enter a pivotal offseason where they must decide whether to double down on their current core or pursue a new direction. Much of their strategy hinges on the future of star guard Trae Young, who has been the subject of persistent trade rumors despite signing a max contract extension in 2021.
According to reports, the Hawks are seriously considering trading either Young or running mate Dejounte Murray in order to reshape their roster. While the 25-year-old Young remains one of the NBA’s elite scorers and playmakers, the 6-foot-1 guard’s defensive limitations have often been exposed in the postseason against bigger backcourts.
New coach Quin Snyder could opt to build around Murray’s two-way ability if Young is indeed moved. However, finding an interested trade partner that can match Young’s enormous $212 million remaining contract value won’t be easy.
Atlanta faces some tough calls on smaller deals as well. Sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic remains under contract for two more seasons at over $39 million total, a hefty price tag for a defensive liability. The Hawks also hold a team option on shooter Garrison Mathews and must decide whether to extend a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Saddiq Bey, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in March.
Snyder may prefer to let Bey walk to open up future cap flexibility for free agents that better address the roster’s shooting and defensive needs around a Murray-centered core. Trent Forrest is Atlanta’s lone unrestricted free agent after playing a depth role this season.
Regardless of whether Young or Murray is dealt, the Hawks project to have around $8 million in practical cap space under next season’s $138 million salary cap projection. Atlanta finished 29th in 3-point shooting percentage this season despite acquiring floor spacers like Bey and Justin Holiday, magnifying the need for additional snipers.
If Young stays and the Hawks can open up more cap room by unloading Bogdanovic’s deal, they could pursue free agents like Raptors swingman Gary Trent Jr. or Thunder sharpshooter Isaiah Joe. Defensive specialists like Alex Caruso or Matisse Thybulle may also be targets on the trade front.
Under the new CBA rules, Atlanta is one of few teams permitted to aggregate salaries and operate as an over-the-apron club, giving GM Landry Fields more flexibility compared to the luxury tax limits of past offseasons. But ownership’s willingness to spend into the tax will factor heavily into the Hawks’ ability to overhaul a roster that again fell well short of lofty expectations.
Ultimately, Atlanta enters the summer with a clear mandate to either double down on its current core through supporting additions, or reroute completely toward a new direction prioritizing shooting, defense and playoff upside over Young’s individual brilliance.