Atlanta Hawks face lingering question after quiet free agency

The Atlanta Hawks stayed out of one of the wildest free agency cycles in recent memory. We saw legends like Klay Thompson leave the Golden State Warriors after 13 incredible seasons and sign with the NBA Finals runner-ups, Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Clippers decided to part ways with Paul George after five disappointing years filled with injuries.

George signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, making it even more challenging for the Hawks to rise in the Eastern Conference. This beckons the question, were the Hawks winners or losers of free agency?

General Manager Landry Fields and the front office traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on June 28th for multiple draft picks, including a first-round pick in the extremely stacked 2025 NBA draft. The draft capital had to be recovered from their Spurs trade two years ago to acquire Murray, and the package also included four players.

Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Larry Nance Jr, and Cody Zeller were sent to the Hawks, which led to controversy amongst the fanbase since Pelicans star Brandon Ingram wasn’t included in the package.

Fans would argue whether Murray or Trae Young was better suited for the team and what they’re building in Atlanta. Young averaged 25.7 points with 10.8 assists during the 2023-24 season, while Murray averaged 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Murray, a pass-first point guard, adapted to an off-ball style of play, resulting in a career-high in 3-point field goals made on the season (201).

Regardless of his efforts, the Hawks were a mediocre 41-41 in the first season and 36-46 the next season after the roster became decimated by injuries.

It was expected one of the guards would be traded, and the front office sided with their centerpiece of the last six seasons. It was one of the biggest trades in recent memory for the Hawks, but they haven’t done anything else since then. 

Fans assumed Clint Capela was on the block next due to his expiring $22 million contract, and his performance has regressed. Casual fans will acknowledge his double-double averages. But those who watch the Hawks closely are aware of his decline. Since his Achilles tear in 2021, Capela has not been the same.

All signs pointed to a potential trade, especially since Onyeka Okongwu signed a team-friendly 4-year extension worth $62 million at 23 years old, making him the center for the future, or so we thought.

The only explanation is that Fields and the Front office are nervous about relinquishing the starting spot to Okongwu. There has been no word on an extension for Capela, and if he leaves in the 2025 free agency for nothing, it would devastate the Hawks. 

Do the Hawks pay the luxury tax or do they gamble with what they have?

It isn’t new for the franchise to have a quiet summer, as they are constantly ridiculed for being inactive over the off-season, but Young’s patience is beginning to dwindle. The vibe from the front office is that they are preparing for his departure, especially now that they have Zaccharie Risacher after drafting him with the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

Daniels will be a great addition next to Young since he is a tall guard at 6’8 who can play 1-3 in Snyder’s rotation. He showed great promise during his time with the Australian National Team, with 14 points and three steals against Team USA on July 15th.

Liddell has also shown great flashes in the 2K25 NBA Summer League, scoring 22 points, grabbing five rebounds, and blocking four shots when the Hawks played the San Antonio Spurs on July 14.

 One thing is for sure: they have improved their defense tremendously, which was a massive issue for them last season. Fields is always very cryptic about the moves the front office is about to make. But they’re filling up the roster with three-point shooting and an outstanding defensive perimeter. Fox Sports set the Hawks' over/under at 35.5 wins on July 19, a worse record than the 2023-2024 season. 

The official end date of free agency is October 21st. But since the Hawks have a full roster, their main path of improvement will be via trade packages. Fans will have to be patient to see if the Hawks are declared “winners or losers” of free agency, and hopefully, Fields has another trick up his sleeve before the summer ends.