The Atlanta Hawks acquired Dejounte Murray and Trae Young through several high-profile trades during the offseason. Kevin Huerter was also traded to the Sacramento Kings to reduce costs. The choices have yet to work out, with Atlanta stumbling to a 15-15 record thus far. Let’s figure out some early Hawks predictions ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline to see if Atlanta will try to make more significant moves to address the ongoing problems.
For the Hawks’ big man, John Collins, it is nothing new to see his name mentioned in trade rumors. However, it is unclear whether he will be traded. In addition, there have been rumors of tension between Trae Young and Nate McMillan, which should be watched if Atlanta’s performance doesn’t improve. Young is having a difficult season.
Here are some initial Hawks trade deadline predictions in light of some of the team’s unfortunate issues.
- To free up Onyeka Okongwu, Clint Capela is traded.
When the pandemic hit, the Hawks were a bottom-dwelling NBA team that earned them a top-10 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. They traded for Clint Capela a few months before the break, so it was unexpected that they chose Onyeka Okongwu. These two men are great centers of the modern era, but they cannot play together, so McMillan must divide their playing time.
Due to his experience, Capela has been given the starting spot and has been providing excellent minutes. He has been a reliable presence on both ends, even with the Hawks’ struggling team. This is the perfect opportunity to transfer him to a team in desperate need of a center, like the Hornets or Dallas. Okongwu is at the ideal time to earn his 25–30 minutes every night and realize his full potential in the NBA.
- The same thing happens to John Collins.
For some time, Collins has been the subject of trade rumors, and there have allegedly been some problems with Young. Collins’ output has significantly decreased this season, averaging 12 points and seven rebounds while shooting a pitiful 21 percent from 3-point range.
It seems like Collins will be traded at this point, but we have heard this before, and he was not. The Hawks’ big man has a sizable deal to move as he is two years into a five-year, $125 million contract.
Atlanta will not trade him because he is an outstanding player; despite his decreased production this season, there is interest, and a trade appears to be inevitable. Here, it is assumed that Collins won’t be traded once more.
- Trade rumors involving Trae Young begin to surface.
This season, the mood in Atlanta seems a little off. Although Young and McMillan have tried to downplay their conflict, one has to wonder what’s going on. Furthermore, Young lacks the qualities and traits that any franchise cornerstone needs to succeed. With just 28.8% of his 3-point attempts landing in the basket, Young is having a terrible shooting season.
Zach Lowe mentioned a few groups interested in Young’s services on his podcast, including the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic. A straight-up swap involving Karl Anthony-Towns and Young would be the most entertaining exchange. There is no reason to anticipate a Young trade this year, but it is expected that there will be more rumors of a potential transfer in the future.