4 Hawks who definitely won't be back, 4 who shouldn't return next season
By Tyler Watts
The Atlanta Hawks are coming off another disappointing season. They have not been able to replicate the success of their 2021 run to the conference finals. After two straight first-round playoff exits, Trae Young and company were ten games below .500 in the regular season and eliminated in the Play-In Tournament. It has the entire organization questioning what is next, including the fit of their two stars.
Changes must be made. They have switched coaches, shaken up the front office, and attempted to add pieces, but nothing has worked. It is time for Atlanta to blow things up and retool. The Hawks are not trading some of their key pieces, but every option should be on the table this summer as they attempt to build a contender, including making a blockbuster trade.
Expect the Hawks to get aggressive this offseason and significant changes to occur. Several players won’t return and some others should be on their way out if Atlanta wants to return to contention. Here is a look at who could be gone this summer.
Won’t be back: Wesley Matthews
He was known as Iron Man and rarely missed a game early in his career. Matthews was in his fourth NBA season before being unable to play. He took pride in his availability, and the 6’5 wing was a key role player on multiple teams.
The 37-year-old signed with the Hawks last summer after spending three of the last four seasons with the Bucks. He was clearly on the downside of his career, but Matthews played in just 36 contests and averaged a career-low 11.5 minutes per game this year. The 6’5 wing does not have much left in the tank.
The veteran may try to play one more year in the NBA, but he will look for a role on a contender. Matthews is still searching for his first championship. Do not expect to see him back in Atlanta, and he is far from the only one expected to exit.
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