NBA Executives Questioning De’Andre Hunter’s Atlanta Hawks Future

Hunter, Atlanta Hawks, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

After advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Atlanta Hawks were handed a gentleman’s sweep in the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs by the Miami Heat. Looking to avoid that kind of performance again, the front office shook up the roster in a big way.

Atlanta made a splash by acquiring All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Danilo Gallinari, three unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap. After that, they traded Kevin Huerter to the Sacramento Kings for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless, and a future first-round pick.

During the time of those trades being worked out, it was reported that the Hawks made Trae Young untouchable in negotiations and the only other player that was close to that level was De’Andre Hunter. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Virginia fits the mold of the kind of player that the Hawks are looking to surround Young with.

Hunter has struggled with injuries, but he is the prototypical, two-way wing that teams covet around the league. He made strides with his 3-point shot last season, connecting on 37.9 percent of his attempts. In the playoffs, he turned things up a notch.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter & Atlanta Hawks Updates

Against the Heat, he was Atlanta’s best player. He averaged 21.2 points on a .557/.462/.800 shooting split, pulling down 3.8 rebounds per game as well. That performance was the epitome of what Hunter could offer long-term.

However, there now seems to be some rumbling about Hunter’s future with the Hawks. While he was essentially off the table all offseason, executives around the league believe he could now be had in the right deal, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports.

“Several league executives wondered whether the Hawks would be willing to part with De’Andre Hunter amid his ongoing extension conversations with Atlanta, but Crowder alone would seem far too little compensation for the Hawks to consider.”

If the Phoenix Suns were able to poach Hunter away from the Hawks in a Jae Crowder deal, they would be ecstatic. That would give them three excellent two-way wings, joining Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. As Hunter showed in the postseason, he offers a little bit more juice as a shot creator, something that Phoenix could certainly use more of.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter & Atlanta Hawks Updates

As for the Hawks, this is quite a change in tune from the off-season. Hunter seemed destined to sign a long-term deal to remain in the Peach State for years to come, but he may instead become a restricted free agent in 2023 if an extension or trade isn’t reached before October 17th.

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