3. Add a 3-and-D wing
The Hawks finished with the 21st-best record in the NBA but were 12th in offensive rating. The hallmark of a title contender is finishing in the top ten on both ends of the floor. Atlanta was close on offense but 24th in defensive rating. They have rim protection, but their perimeter defense is problematic at best.
Atlanta desperately needs a strong 3-and-D wing to fortify their roster. Someone capable of handling the toughest defensive assignments and spacing the floor. Trae Young is one of the best pick-and-roll ball-handlers in the world, so adding shooting gives the Hawks another boost.
Every contending team has plus 3-and-D options. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are outstanding for the Celtics. The Mavericks have Derrick Jones Jr. and P.J. Washington spacing the floor and playing stout defense. The Nuggets won the championship in 2023 with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, one of the best 3-and-D options in the world.
Can the Atlanta Hawks find their missing piece? They may be best served to try to trade one of their stars in the backcourt for it. The Dejounte Murray and Trae Young pairing has not worked because both are best as lead playmakers. Landry Fields should split up the duo, but who should be traded?