The Atlanta Hawks are officially building for the Jalen Johnson era, per Jake Fischer. In his recent episode of Insider Notebook, Fischer reported that the Hawks are asking themselves, “How do they fit with Jalen Johnson, not Trae Young?” when considering potential trade targets.
This marks a clear shift in the direction of the franchise – the end of the Trae Young era, so to speak. This doesn’t necessarily mean Young is on the move, as his skill set complements Johnson’s quite well while the latter continues to develop as a halfcourt scorer. (However, Young's potentially expiring contract could make it necessary to move him.)
This is a major philosophical shift that changes how Atlanta views the roster
With this change in mind, the expectations for the Hawks’ deadline plans have shifted, and Dyson Daniels is the perfect example. If Atlanta were building around Young, Daniels would be untouchable. He is the perfect backcourt companion for Young as the premier perimeter defender in the league with a natural playmaking feel. While he isn’t a threat from deep, his value in other areas alongside Young makes him an obvious choice for shooting guard of the future.
If Jalen Johnson is the focal point, however, the Hawks no longer would consider Daniels untouchable. By no means should he be on the trade block, but it is worth considering whether his shooting woes (12.7% from three this season) outweigh his value as a defender in a Johnson-led team. Perhaps for the right return package (i.e., Giannis Antetokounmpo or another franchise-changing player), Daniels could be moved during the Jalen Johnson era.
Of course, there are no reports that Daniels is available for trade, and don’t expect him to be moved. Rather, this is an example illustrating how the value of each player on the roster can change when the context shifts from a Young-led team to a Johnson-led team.
Atlanta’s pieces reported as on the trade block are Young, Porzingis, Luke Kennard, first round picks (not including the Pelicans’ pick), and (maybe) Zaccharie Risacher. With these pieces, the Hawks must build for the Johnson era.
Looking forward, Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can secure the guard positions, and Risacher is an excellent long-term bet as the forward partner for Johnson. Vit Krejci, Onyeka Okongwu, and Asa Newell can man the bench frontcourt.
This leaves one clear hole and two more potential holes; Atlanta needs a center, and will need a co-star and bench guard if Young departs. Okongwu is a solid starting center, but his minutes with Johnson have underwhelmed statistically. Similarly, Young is a solid co-star, but the Hawks might not reach a contract extension they’re willing to accept.
If any trades do occur, expect them to solve one of two problems. First, Young and Porzingis are on potentially expiring deals; if the Hawks don’t plan to bring them back, how can they return as much value as possible for them? Second, how can the team fill the holes left in the Johnson era?