The Atlanta Hawks faced a tumultuous offseason with the looming possibility of breaking up their backcourt duo of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. While Young’s name swirled in trade rumors, it was ultimately Murray who was shipped off to the New Orleans Pelicans, surprising many who expected a full rebuild from the Hawks. Instead, they opted to retool their roster and keep their star point guard.
As the NBA offseason unfolded, speculation arose about whether the Hawks would regret not trading away Trae Young. With major moves already completed, the timing for a trade seemed tricky – either at the start of the season, trade deadline, or next offseason. The question lingered: would the Hawks rue their decision? Experts weighed in on both sides of the debate.
There were concerns that this offseason presented the peak of Young’s trade value. If the Hawks faltered in the upcoming season, the return for Young might not match what they could have received earlier. His contract’s dwindling years and potential injury risks highlighted the stakes for Atlanta in retaining their star player.
Despite a promising 2020-2021 season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks have faced setbacks since, exiting the playoffs in the first round the past two years. The risk of NBA purgatory loomed large – stuck in limbo between championship contention and high draft picks. With minimal roster improvements beyond the Murray trade and drafting Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks’ future hung in the balance.
However, Atlanta’s decision to retain Young was rooted in his youth and potential to anchor a championship-caliber team. At just 25 years old, Young represented a cornerstone for the franchise’s aspirations. Additionally, limited control over first-round picks until 2028 deterred any thoughts of a full rebuild. The Hawks sought significant draft capital in any potential trade package for Young to justify parting ways with the budding superstar.
The Hawks’ path forward remains uncertain, as they balance the present competitiveness with long-term aspirations. With Trae Young at the helm, Atlanta faces the challenge of navigating NBA purgatory while striving for greater heights in the Eastern Conference. Whether their gamble pays off or leads to regrets remains to be seen in the seasons ahead.
