2024 NBA Offseason Preview: What’s Next for the Atlanta Hawks?

This summer marks a massive offseason for the Atlanta Hawks. After a season full of disappointments, the Hawks are in an excellent 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 Offseason Preview: What’s Next for the Atlanta Hawks?

Season recap

It was much of the same for Hawks fans last season, another regular season disappointment and play-in appearance. Injuries played a major role in Atlanta’s 36-46 record, as superstar Trae Young suffered a finger injury that kept him out for 23 games midseason. Regardless of Young’s injury, the Hawks were still horrible defensively. For the seventh straight season, Atlanta ranked in the bottom 10 in defensive rating. A lot of this has to do with the backcourt. Young and Dejounte Murray are both undersized guards, both guys were bottom 20 themselves in defensive rating. The Hawks had three players in the bottom 20 in defensive rating for players playing at least 15 minutes per game and 50 games played.

Despite the defensive woes, Atlanta was once again outstanding offensively. Head coach Quin Snyder’s seven seconds or less offensive approach has worked well with the team’s shooting ability. The Hawks ranked fifth in points scored per game and sixth in three-pointers made per game. Jalen Johnson has also emerged as a high-level two-way player for the team. Johnson, 22, averaged 16 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. The young winger achieved 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 tough at the time, but the Hawks were entered into the lottery they would later win, securing the first overall pick.

Projected cap space and draft picks

With only a three percent chance, the Atlanta Hawks did the unthinkable and won the draft. This upcoming draft class has been called “weak,” but it still has major talent. There were rumors that the Hawks could potentially go down, but it appears that those have faded, meaning they will be on the clock in less than a week.

At this point, it appears the Hawks are between two names. Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher are the two hopefuls, both French and strong. Sarr, 19, played in Australia’s NBL last year where he averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 shares. The 7’1″ model was the consensus top pick for a while before many analysts turned to Risacher. Risacher averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. In 17 European Cup games this season, the 6’9″ winger has shot a staggering 56.1% from three attempts on 3.4 per game. For his career, Risacher is a 47.6% shooter and 40.7% from behind the arc. Neither player is a finished product, but the Hawks will be keen to bring in one of the two to help build a young core.

Risacher appears to be the favorite right now according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, and the Hawks haven’t been able to get Sarr in a practice session.

When it comes to free agency, Atlanta is in the market for size. The draft will of course help with that, but don’t be shocked if the Hawks target bigger guards and wings this summer.

Pending free agents and possible departures

Notable free agents

Fortunately, the Hawks won’t lose many of their key players to free agency. Saddiq Bey is in a tight market, which means he will most likely end up in Atlanta. The majority of the Hawk’s decisions this offseason will involve trades.

Exchange parts

The futures of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are in question. Reports give the impression that at least one of the two goalies will be on another team by the end of the summer. Without Young last 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. This makes the decision difficult for the Hawks front office who recognizes the importance of moving on from one of the two. Additionally, Clint Capela has been the subject of trade rumors. This only makes sense with Sarr or Risacher likely being added to the draft.

Realistic off-season goals

Trade

If the Hawks deal Murray or Young to the Lakers, it would likely result in compensation for Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Of course, the package would also include some young prospects and picks. The Lakers are one of the teams cited in trade rumors regarding both players. The Orlando Magic are also the subject of rumors regarding Trae Young. The Magic are a young team that lacks outside shooting, something Young excels at. In return, Atlanta could receive Jalen Suggs as the main piece of a trade. Suggs is a great young defensive guard to pair with Murray.

No real reports have come out suggesting a landing spot should Atlanta trade any of their stars. However, it is only a matter of time before the future becomes clearer.

Free agents

As previously mentioned, the Hawks will likely target size in free agency. Reports have linked Atlanta to numerous players who could bring value to their roster next season, here are just 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 bring size and strength to the Hawks. Kris Dunn is a former Hawk. He had a great defensive season shooting 36.9% from three and would be an inexpensive guard option. Finally, Kelly Oubre is another 3&D wing 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 will be huge for the Hawks. From being able to trade one of their former stars to getting the first overall pick. A lot will change in Hawks country this offseason. They could hit the full rebuild button or choose to try to compete over the next few seasons, the choice is theirs.