The idea that the Atlanta Hawks could look very different next season isn’t surprising.
They endured a trying season that saw them miss the postseason for the first time in three years and were rumored to be considering significant personnel changes before the campaign ended with six straight losses.
The Hawks have also made major changes over the last two seasons, one of which – hiring Quin Snyder – could be a driving factor behind the changes made.
10 offseason trade targets the Atlanta Hawks must look into
If his decision is binary and one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray must go, the Hawks should be able to bring back a player that will help propel them into contention. Of course, that assumes they don’t look to go full-rebuild, which they have not indicated.
With that, each of these players could make for viable targets.
1) Kevin Durant - Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is only a target in the specific scenario that the Hawks want to build around Young – who has trained with the former MVP in the offseason – and are looking to make an immediate push in the Eastern Conference.
Durant and the Suns suffered a sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves and would appear to need to make some changes to the roster to course-correct.
This hypothetical package could entice the Suns.
The deal adds a minimal salary for the Hawks while abiding by the tax apron rules for the Suns.
There haven’t been any indications Durant is seeking a trade. In fact, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported the Suns by and large want to run it back next season. But Charania also reported that Durant felt like a bystander in the Suns’ offseason this past season.
That wouldn’t be an issue with the Hawks where, despite Young’s propensity to be ball-dominant, there are ample opportunities a player of Durant’s ilk would capitalize on.
Snyder’s system is heavy on three-pointers, but Murray has thrived in the mid-range.
Durant could do the same while diversifying the attack with Murray noting he and Young both being point guards is a factor in their on-court struggles together. Durant has proven more than capable of assimilating into any style of offense.
The Hawks would also get out from under the remaining three years and nearly $70 million on De’Andre Hunter’s contract with Durant stepping in to replace him.