How This Deal Impacts Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks came into the 2022 offseason looking to shake the roster up. General manager Travis Schlenk did not want to replicate the mistake made in 2021 when they decided to run things back after advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
They have done a good job reshaping the roster thus far, with Dejounte Murray being their big acquisition. Murray will help transform this team defensively, but they could still use a little bit of help on that end. That is where OG Anunoby could come in.
Anunoby is already an excellent defender and improving offensively. He has star potential as a two-way wing with his volume increasing. The Hawks could certainly use someone in that mold as they need to surround Young with as many defenders and 3-point shooters as possible.
Acquiring Anunoby also provides the team with some insurance for De’Andre Hunter. He was arguably their best performer in the playoffs against the Miami Heat but he has been unable to stay healthy.
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He is also eligible for an extension this offseason and if talks go south, the Hawks would at least know they have someone capable of filling that role in Anunoby.
Parting ways with three more major assets after trading three first-round picks for Murray could be a cause for pause for some within the front office.
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However, if the Hawks want to compete with the upper echelon teams in the Eastern Conference, they have to be aggressive and this move would certainly constitute as such.
