The Atlanta Hawks are back in familiar territory — NBA offseason mode — after failing to get past the Miami Heat in the play-in. Now comes the hard part: figuring out what’s next for a team that just can’t seem to take that leap.
Still, it wasn’t all bad. There were bright spots. Dyson Daniels looked like a defensive demon next to Trae Young. Zaccharie Risacher showed why he went high in the draft. Jalen Johnson was an NBA All-Star-level force before injuries derailed the season. But with another early exit, the Hawks are officially back in evaluation mode — again.
So what now? Let’s take a look at three names that could be on GM Landry Fields’ radar as he attempts to bring Atlanta back to relevance.
1. Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers)
Why it makes sense:
Mathurin is young, athletic, and can score in bunches. The Pacers have depth on the wing, and if Atlanta dangles the right asset, they could steal a player with upside.
He’d fit beautifully in Atlanta’s up-tempo attack — the Hawks ranked third in pace this season — and could either come off the bench or start, depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out. He’s not a finished product, but that’s kind of the point. He’s still ascending.
Fit with Trae Young? Ideal as a slasher and floor-spacer.
Fit without Trae Young? Potential high-usage wing who can grow with Jalen Johnson.
Bottom Line: If the Hawks keep the core, Mathurin adds scoring punch. If they pivot, he’s a future piece. Either way, it works.
2. Jalen Green (Rockets)
Why it makes sense:
This one’s a swing. But it’s also the kind of bold move the Hawks might need.
If Houston flames out early in the playoffs, the Rockets might go hunting for a star. And if they do? Jalen Green could become expendable. Enter the Hawks, who might not have enough to trade for Green straight-up… unless they’re ready to talk Trae Young.
Green is electric in transition, fearless as a scorer, and — when he’s on — looks like a walking 30-point night. The Hawks could use that kind of juice. Especially if Young is on the move.
Pros: Explosiveness. NBA star potential. Fit with Jalen Johnson in a post-Trae rebuild.
Cons: Still a volume shooter, hasn’t proven he can lead a team.
Bottom Line: If Houston shakes things up, Atlanta should be in the middle of the conversation.
3. Draft Picks (Various Teams)
Why it makes sense:
Let’s be real — if the Hawks move Trae Young, they better get picks. Lots of them.
They’ve already started to restock the cupboard after sending out a truckload of picks in past deals (hello, Dejounte Murray). Now it’s time to double down. Whether it’s Miami, Orlando, or a mystery team that sees Young as their offensive savior, someone will bite.
He’s still just 26. Still puts up 24 and 11 a night. Still has value, even if the Hawks are ready to hit reset.
Targets:
- Orlando: In desperate need of a primary playmaker.
- Miami: Still star-hunting.
- Lakers/Spurs/Nets: All watching closely.
Bottom Line: Draft capital gives the Hawks flexibility. If they want to rebuild — or reload — they need more ammo.
Final Word
Atlanta has choices. They can run it back with a young core that showed flashes — Daniels, Johnson, Okongwu, Risacher — or they can hit the button and reshape this thing completely. Either way, this offseason will define GM Landry Fields’ tenure.
Trade Trae? Add a co-star? Flip veteran depth for future assets? All of it’s on the table.
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