Insider: Hawks a 'popular landing spot' for $36 Million 1-time All-Star

The Atlanta Hawks remain one of the more intriguing teams in NBA circles, with the future of their star backcourt the main focus following the 2024 NBA Draft. 

Neither Dejounte Murray nor Trae Young have publicly pushed for a trade. But both have been mired in speculation since the deadline since their pairing has not elevated the team to the heights expected. Murray, for one, was named in talks with the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Those talks are back in focus amid reports of the Hawks’ continued interest in Brandon Ingram.

“Atlanta is another popular landing spot league figures have pointed to for Ingram, but there have been no substantive talks between the Hawks and Pelicans, sources said, since the two teams discussed trade scenarios regarding Dejounte Murray before February’s trade deadline,” Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer wrote on June 28.

“The Hawks are certainly expected to now gauge trade possibilities for Murray, All-Star guard Trae Young, Clint Capela and the rest of their rostered players who aren’t named Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher, sources said.”

Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds last season while shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc. He is entering the final year of a five-year, $158.2 million contract.

Ingram will count $36 million against the salary cap in 2024-25.

Hawks consistently linked to potential trade for Brandon Ingram

Originally the No. 2 overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft, Ingram has dealt with injuries during his career. His 64 appearances last season were his most since his rookie season. He was also taken off the floor in critical moments during the postseason.

That and his contract situation led to trade speculation with the Hawks among the teams expected to show interest.

“A growing belief leaguewide that Pelicans will aggressively explore the trade market for Brandon Ingram before next season,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote in May (subscription required). “A handful of Eastern Conference teams (Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta and Orlando) have already been mentioned as potential trade suitors for Ingram.”

The two sides were expected to re-engage in trade talks this offseason.

“The Pelicans had contact with the … the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline in February. Expect those talks to resume this summer,” NOLA.com’s Christian Clark wrote in May. “If the Pelicans reengaged the Hawks, they could look to pry away Murray or Young. Even though Young is the more talented player, the Pelicans seem to hold more interest in Murray, league sources said. The 6-5 Murray is not as much of a defensive liability as the 6-1 Young can be.”

There are questions about Ingram’s fit on the Hawks, both as a No. 2 option and a suspect defender. 

The Hawks allowed teams to 38.4% from deep last season, the third-highest mark in the NBA.

“Regardless of whether Ingram was alongside Young or Murray in Atlanta, he would not only have to be a No. 2 on offense, but he wouldn't be as protected on the other end,” Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey wrote on June 4. “

Risacher’s addition further clouds the Hawks’ potential need for Ingram. The idea should be facilitating his development and adding another player to his position group would be less than ideal.