Jason Burgos
On Thursday night, a memorable season for the Atlanta Hawks came to a destructive end at the hands of the New York Knicks. In Game 6 of their quarterfinal series, ATL was on the wrong side of one of the most lopsided losses in playoff history when they fell at home by a score of 140-89.
While it was a terrible way to finish the year, there were still a lot of positives about this season. They found a new face of the franchise in Jalen Johnson. Their 46 wins were the most they’ve had in a decade. And this young core is just scratching the surface of their potential.
The Hawks are just a couple of big moves away from evolving into a real Conference Finals contender next season. And this summer, they have the assets to make some major additions since they could have as much as $28 million in cap space and all their draft picks over the next five years — including two in June.
With that in mind, here are seven bold offseason ideas for the Atlanta Hawks.
Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is no doubt the Hawks will be linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes this summer. In any potential trade for the greatest player in team history, the Milwaukee Bucks will want both young players and draft picks. The Hawks could put together a strong trade offer featuring four future first-round picks, 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, Jonathan Kuminga, and Dyson Daniels.
The trio of Johnson, Antetokounmpo, and Nickeil Walker-Alexander could be a favorite in the East next season.
Trade for Bam Adebayo
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and a fourth straight year in the play-in, the Miami Heat must consider making major changes this offseason. They could also go star hunting this summer or think about rebuilding and selling off some of their best pieces.
While it seems crazy to think that they would move the 83-point man, Bam Adebayo, they should consider it. Especially if a team like the Hawks offers their two first-rounders in June’s deep draft, two in future years, and Risacher.
Adebayo would help create a starting five that would be very athletic and a serious problem defensively for any team.
Trade for Donovan Mitchell
In April, reports emerged that if Donovan Mitchell does not sign the max extension that he will be eligible for, the Cleveland Cavaliers will look to trade him. Especially if they go no further than Round 2 this month. If they do, the Hawks should jump at the opportunity.
A trade package of Risacher, Walker-Alexander, three first-round picks, and two first-round swaps could appeal to the Cavs. For Atlanta, a starting five of Mitchell, Johnson, and Daniels has big potential next season.
Trade for or sign Kawhi Leonard
If the trade cost for players like Adebayo, Antetokounmpo, and Mitchell is too high for the Hawks, another option could be to target a trade for Kawhi Leonard. Yes, there is a big risk in acquiring the often-injured seven-time All-Star. But he played 65 games this season and was back to being his elite self. The Hawks certainly have the chips to make a trade.
However, Leonard could also see his Los Angeles Clippers contract voided if the NBA’s investigation into the Aspiration scandal finds serious wrongdoing. In that case, ATL should make a full-court press to bring in the two-time champion to form the best forward duo in the NBA with Johnson.
Re-Sign CJ McCollum
It is very possible that the Atlanta Hawks choose to go with the status quo and make smaller adjustments to bolster the roster around the team that went 20-6 to end the season. If that is the plan, re-signing CJ McCollum must be a top priority.
The 34-year-old came over in the Trae Young trade as an expiring contract to make the money side of the deal work. He ended up turning into a veteran leader and a major reason they even won two games in their series against the Knicks. If the Hawks don’t want to make huge moves in the summer they must at least bring McCollum back.
Take Kingston Flemings in the NBA Draft
The Hawks first pick in Round 1 of June’s loaded draft is projected to be in the back half of the top 10. If that is where they land (possibly at seven or eight) point guard needs to be the position they target. And Houston star Kingston Flemings should be the player they select.
The freshman burst on the scene this past season with his blistering speed and ability to attack the basket. He is also a skilled ball handler who is surprisingly efficient and smart with the rock. Furthermore, he is a plus defender. He can learn under McCollum for a year and form a top-notch back court duo with Alexander-Walker in a few years.
Target bench scoring
If the Hawks bring back the same roster next season, which isn’t a terrible idea, then they should also look to improve the bench. While they have a strong starting lineup with upside, they don’t have major difference makers off the bench. Especially if Jonathan Kuminga is slotted into a starting role next season.
Veteran scorers like Collin Sexton, Tobias Harris, and Bobby Portis would be good targets for the Hawks in the summer to improve their rotation.
