The 2022-23 NBA season has not gone according to plan for the Atlanta Hawks. They were hoping that their offseason move to acquire Dejounte Murray would elevate them near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but that has not been the case.
Atlanta has spent the majority of the season in the NBA Play-In Tournament range between the 7-12th seeds. They are currently holding down the eighth seed with a 26-26 record, three games behind the Miami Heat for the No. 6 spot, which is the last one outside of the play-in.
There is no denying the talent on the Hawks’ roster but things aren’t meshing well. Part of that can be the tension between head coach Nate McMillan and his All-Star point guard Trae Young. What they labeled as a miscommunication led to Young sitting out a game earlier this season and the two haven’t looked to be on the same page.
Rumors floated that McMillan contemplated resigning from his position as a result. Some people have even questioned if Young will be the next young All-Star to request a trade from his team. If that does occur, one NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network believes the Orlando Magic are a team to keep an eye on.
If the Hawks’ situation worsens and they start thinking about shaking things up, the Magic are a team that would make lots of sense for Trae Young. They need a guard to run things through that can elevate the offense and it’s hard to imagine the market being super hot for a small guard. They have extra assets to trade and some intriguing young players that maybe Atlanta would want. The market may not be super hot for a smaller guard.
The Magic’s most recent rebuild is one that is beginning to flourish. They are playing some solid basketball, going 15-12 after starting the season with a brutal 5-20 stretch. The young players are producing as Orlando has a very exciting young core.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Orlando Magic Updates
Seven players on the team are averaging double-figure points per game this season. The oldest of that bunch is Moritz Wagner, who is only 25. The potential for this team is vast as Gary Harris and Terrence Ross are the only rotation players older than 25.
Bringing in a dynamic guard such as Young is something that could help elevate this roster to the next level. They have used a lot of resources on finding a point guard in recent years, but none have gotten close to the level that Young has shown capable of achieving.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks & Orlando Magic Updates
While nothing is going to occur any time soon on the Young trade front, this is certainly something to keep an eye on. Another disappointing playoff performance by the Hawks could lead to some major changes happening during the 2023 off-season.
