The Atlanta Hawks got off to a hot start in the 2022-23 NBA season, coming out of the gates with a 7-3 record. Their splash acquisition of Dejounte Murray was paying early dividends as the Hawks were rolling on both ends of the court. However, in the last few weeks, they haven’t been nearly as prolific.
Since that start, Atlanta has gone 6-9 and their production has slipped. The Hawks have made strides defensively, as they are 16th in defensive rating, but their offense has become an issue. They are currently 19th in offensive rating, something hard to believe given the backcourt duo that they have.
The front office has done a good job building the roster around Trae Young, taking advantage of his skills and trying to compensate for his deficiencies. 3-point shooters surround him to get the most out of his playmaking and two-way players are a necessity as Young remains a sieve as one of the worst defenders in the NBA.
But, building that roster has not been cheap. Atlanta is heading toward luxury tax territory, which is something it will do everything in its power to avoid. As a result, expect plenty of trade rumors to come about that involved the Hawks.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there are already some potential trade targets emerging. John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela are three names to keep an eye on.
“Following the four-year, $95 million extension with forward De’Andre Hunter, rival NBA executives believe Atlanta will likely have to part with either forward John Collins, swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic, or center Clint Capela to avoid looming luxury tax concerns next season.”
Collins is in the second year of a five-year, $125 million contract and has been involved in trade rumors for years. Is in the midst of the worst season of his career and could really use a change of scenery.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Jalen Johnson and A.J. Griffin are more than capable of soaking up Collins’ minutes, along with De’Andre Hunter, should he get moved. Bogdanovic has a player option for next season, so he could be viewed as an expiring contract in some scenarios and is the most available of the three.
Capela signed an extension in 2021 that will keep him under contract through 2025. It was a peculiar decision to extend him as the Hawks have Onyeka Okongwu, the No. 6 overall pick from the 2020 NBA Draft, waiting in the wings. He is ready for an expanded role and is eligible for an extension next offseason means this roster will only get more expensive without trades being made.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Don’t forget, Murray is also up for a new contract soon. His current deal runs through 2024. If he continues producing at the level that he has, a max contract could very well be in his future.
