The Hawks made minimal personnel changes this offseason, but it should result in a much different-looking team under Quin Snyder.
Though Atlanta added a pair of veterans in Wesley Matthews and Patty Milles, the John Collins trade is by far the most impactful roster move. It paves a path for Jalen Johnson to garner significant minutes, which could provide a jolt this Hawks team needs.
While Atlanta remained rather quiet, the rest of the Eastern Conference has been active in potentially upgrading their rosters. So, how do the Hawks stack up in East following some blockbuster trades this offseason?
Boston Celtics get:
F/C Kristaps Porzingis
2023 first-round pick (No. 25)
2024 first-round pick (via Golden State; top-four protected)
Washington Wizards get:
G Tyus Jones
F Danilo Gallinari
C Mike Muscala
2023 second-round pick (No. 35)
Memphis Grizzlies get:
G Marcus Smart
Milwaukee Bucks get:
G Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers get:
G Jrue Holiday
C Deandre Ayton
F Toumani Camara
2029 Unprotected first-round pick
2028 Unprotected pick swap
2030 Unprotected pick swap
Phoenix Suns get:
C Jusuf Nurkic
G Grayson Allen
F Nassir Little
G Keon Johnson
Boston Celtics get:
G Jrue Holiday
Portland Trail Blazers get:
C Robert Williams III
G Malcolm Brogdon
2024 First-round pick (via Warriors)
2029 Unprotected irst-round pick
The Celtics got the party started in the offseason by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards while shipping Marcus Smart off to the Grizzlies, leaving a void at point guard. Malcolm Brogdon could’ve assumed that role to a certain degree, but Brad Stevens didn’t sit on his hands.
Months later, the blockbuster trade of the offseason happened. Damian Lillard finally leaves the Trail Blazers and joins Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, while Jrue Holiday was included in the package going to Portland.
The Bucks undoubtedly got better with this trade. Dame brings exactly what Miluwakee has been missing late in games. He can get his own buckets in crunch time. Sure, they gave up a lot of depth and defense, but they have to be happy with how it all turned out.
Remember those pesky Celtics? Well, they jumped on the opportunity to add one of the best two-way guards in the league, sending Robert Williams and Brogdon to Portland for Jrue Holiday.
The Bucks and Celtics are the class of the Eastern Conference, and it’s not particularly close. The 76ers, Heat, Cavaliers, Knicks, and Hawks are likely the next tier of the East.
Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and A.J. Griffin will have bigger roles. The duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have a year under their belts together. Quin Snyder has a full offseason to implement his systems. There’s reason to be optimistic in Atlanta, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up to high Hawks fans. Unless Snyder is a miracle worker, the club has virtually no chance of unseating one of the Bucks or Celtics.
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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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