The Atlanta Hawks offseason got a lot more exciting when they won the NBA Draft Lottery, gifting them the #1 overall pick. However, it’s going to take a lot more moves to get this team competitive in the Eastern Conference again.
Most expect the Hawks to trade one of their All-Star guards, with Dejounte Murray being the more likely of the two. This would give Atlanta one last chance to build a contender around Trae Young before he’s set to become a free agent, which will likely determine whether he stays with the organization or not.
For that reason, a swap of All-Star caliber talents could be the most desirable route for the Hawks, which is what Jeff Teague predicts will happen.
“I say they’re gonna trade Dejounte Murray for Brandon Ingram, I think they’re gonna do that straight up,” Teague said on the Club 520 Podcast.
This is a scenario that’s already been brought up a few times by various outlets. The Hawks and Pelicans are in similar situations. They have some talent and don’t want to enter another rebuild, yet they have to make some pretty significant alterations to their respective rosters if they want to become considered contenders.
Almost everybody expects the Pelicans to deal Brandon Ingram, and most expect Murray’s days to be over with the Hawks. The Hawks could use help on the wing, and the Pels need a true point guard. The swap almost makes too much sense.
Perhaps the Pelicans would want a little more than just Dejounte Murray in a potential trade with the Hawks. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype floated the idea of adding one of Clint Capela or Onyeka Okongwu to the hypothetical deal.
“When you reminded me of the Pelicans and Hawks trade talks before the trade deadline, it’s interesting if it was Dejounte Murray and maybe Onyeka Okongwu or Clint Capela, depending on which big they’d want,” writes Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
A deal like that would make a lot of sense for both sides, especially if the Hawks end up taking Alex Sarr with the #1 overall pick. That would make one of Capela or Okongwu much more expendable and give both teams a more complete roster to compete next season.
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Photo: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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