3 Hawks players who could be off the roster by the trade deadline

De’Andre Hunter could be on notice after Zaccharie Risacher pick

The Hawks’ ideal starting lineup around Trae Young would feature plenty of defensive versatility, so De’Andre Hunter could very well reprise his role with the first five alongside Capela, and 2024 trade pickup Dyson Daniels, another piece of the return from the Murray trade.

But rookie No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher could push Hunter, who has also proven capable in a bench role.

Hunter averaged a career-high 15.6 points per game in 2023-24.

He also shot a career-best 38.5% from beyond the arc. However, Hunter has also dealt with injuries in his career, appearing in 57 games in 2023-24. He appeared in a career-high 67 games in 2022-23, adding 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

In Year 2 of a four-year, $90 million contract, he could be a more likely 2025 offseason trade candidate.

He could also be a piece a contender feels helps complete their roster with two-way play.

Risacher has to prove he can play at the NBA level to legitimately push Hunter for his starting role. The rookie could also find himself starting at shooting guard depending on how the Hawks view Daniels and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Hunter has been the Hawks’ best two-way player, though Daniels could challenge him as their best defensive player.

That plus his contract could make him difficult to part with.

But like the other players on this list, Hunter’s name has come up in trade rumors in recent months. Whether or not the Hawks are finally ready to actually trade him, especially during the season, remains unclear.