The present and the future often find themselves at odds. Think about your diet. If you eat whatever you want, that’s great – for now. In the future, you may end up regretting it. NBA teams need to strike the same balance.

Generally, most organizations are either focused on the present or the future. Sometimes, they prioritize one at the expense of the other. 

Just look at the Atlanta Hawks. This summer, they moved three first-round picks in order to acquire Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. At 19-21, that may have been a questionable decision. 

There is no going back from a trade using a significant amount of future draft capital. The Hawks must find a way to navigate their current situation. Finding a difference-making talent in the frontcourt is the best option.

The Toronto Raptors are a team that seem positioned to shuffle their roster around. If Pascal Siakam was to be available, the Hawks may be well-suited to make a push to acquire him.

Could they lean even harder into the present?