The Atlanta Hawks are gearing up for the 2024-25 season with Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher as key players. Dyson Daniels, the 2022 No. 8 pick, joins the team and is expected to come off the bench behind Young. Daniels, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 199 pounds, is known for his size and defensive skills, which could earn him a starting spot despite his career 31.2 percent 3-point shooting that might not fit perfectly with the starting lineup.
Neither Clint Capela nor Onyeka Okongwu pose a significant threat from beyond the arc, with Johnson’s career 32.8 percent 3-point shooting and Risacher’s 25.0 percent conversion in Summer League further complicating the starting lineup. As a result, it might be more practical to start Bogdan Bogdanovic or De’Andre Hunter, with Hunter’s on-ball defense making him a better option. Hunter grew comfortable in a bench role last season, which allowed him to be more aggressive offensively. With Dejounte Murray now in New Orleans, Hunter could get more touches in the first unit and potentially average over 20 points per game, a feat he nearly achieved last season.
However, Atlanta appears to be behind where they were last season, which may leave Young dissatisfied with his supporting cast. The three-time All-Star has emphasized that his primary focus is postseason success, and with the current roster, the Hawks aren’t guaranteed a playoff berth. Despite already splitting up their backcourt duo, Atlanta might still consider moving Young.
Hawks general manager Landry Fields has not openly committed to Young this month. Reacquiring their first-round picks from the San Antonio Spurs is likely an ideal scenario for Atlanta, as they owe San Antonio two first-round picks and a pick swap over the next three drafts. The 2025 and 2026 NBA Drafts are highly regarded, making it crucial for the Hawks to reclaim these picks. Trading Young to the Spurs is the most obvious route, although interest from the Spurs and Lakers in Young has cooled in recent months.
San Antonio’s need for Young has diminished after drafting Stephon Castle and signing Chris Paul. Paul, on a one-year deal, is expected to start the season, but with his career nearing its end, Castle is poised to take over as the starting point guard, with 2024 No. 36 pick Juan Nuñez potentially competing for the spot upon his return from Spain.
Young has long been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, who could feasibly acquire him by sending a package including Austin Reaves and two first-round picks to the Hawks. However, the Lakers have been cautious about the Big 3 model due to penalties for high-salary teams and are reluctant to part ways with Reaves. Additionally, the recent hiring of former Hawks head coach Nate McMillan as an assistant, following a publicized dispute with Young, could make for a volatile situation, especially with JJ Redick coming in as a first-year head coach.
