The Atlanta Hawks have been consistently linked to Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis. It's a truth that's caused many to question if the Hawks can make progress toward contending by trading for the NBA champion and five-time All-NBA honoree.
The harsh reality of trading for Davis, however, is that it would disrupt what's organically building with a young core that has the potential to grow in unison.
Atlanta is in the midst of something of a breakout season. Despite playing 22 games without Trae Young and 14 without Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks are not only above .500, but developing an identity as a well-oiled machine on both ends of the floor.
Thankfully, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype is reporting that while the Hawks are exploring the open market, they understand how well they've already positioned themselves to consistently contend.
"Looking at the big picture, the Hawks are content growing and developing their young core while adding an expected high draft pick in June, sources said."
Adding Davis would make the Hawks contenders on paper, but there's something to be gained over time by remaining patient with a core that can stick together for years to come.
Hawks must prioritize young core over short-term ambitions
Trading for Davis would push Atlanta forward, particularly if he and Young can develop chemistry. The harsh reality of that duo, however, is that its system would be built around a pair of stars who have endured their share of injury troubles in recent years.
The Hawks could realistically trade for Davis without sacrificing the depth that can help them overcome potential injury absences, but it can't be overlooked that he's played at least 60 games just once since 2019-20.
Every time a player of Davis or Young's magnitude is sidelined, their respective teams change the way they play. It's an inevitable result of losing a player who's effectively the hub of the system—or, at the very least, an individual whose high-volume role is challenging to replace with any one player.
Compounded by the fact that Davis will turn 33 in March, the Hawks have as much to lose as they have to gain in a potential trade.
Hawks can't afford to tie future to injury-plagued veterans
By staying the course, the Hawks would be following in the Oklahoma City Thunder's footsteps—an ideal statement on most levels. Instead of chasing the big names, they'd be prioritizing internal development and the chemistry that's already being built between exceptionally talented under-30 players.
An investment in their potential may not necessarily yield championship results in 2025-26, but it could be the decision that helps Atlanta contend for years to come.
Jalen Johnson is already showing signs of superstardom, Dyson Daniels is an all-world defender and improved playmaker, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a proven postseason performer turning a corner as a star-caliber scorer. Furthermore, Onyeka Okongwu is realizing his potential next to Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher is a compelling two-way second-year player.
Together, they've helped the Hawks compile a record of 14-9 since Young suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of an eventual win over the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 29.
During that time, Atlanta has ranked 12th in offensive rating, 13th in defensive rating, and 11th in net rating. By no means does that scream contender, but for a young team with several moving pieces, it's a clear sign of how legitimate their long-term championship potential is with Johnson leading the charge.
For as tempting as it is to help that core compete for a championship by trading for Davis, the Hawks would be better off prioritizing its unfathomably promising core over a trade with short-term ambitions.