The Atlanta Hawks are preparing to make a pivotal selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. Atlanta won the lottery with the first overall pick, but scouts believe multiple players could be the top selection. The Hawks have plenty of options for a trade with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray on the roster: However, the team could also make a move on Clint Capela.
A new potential Hawks trade suitor piece emerges
The talent in the 2024 NBA Draft is considered to be weaker than in years past. Yet, there is a highly touted prospect who has made his way to the top of most boards. French center Alexandre Sarr is an elite big man with high defensive upside who the Hawks could take with the first pick. As a result, Atlanta could be looking to trade Clint Capela to usher in a new frontcourt core, per ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.
When the Hawks entered the lottery, analysts believed they would have the 10th pick in the draft. Thus, the team would have been set to package the pick with either or both Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Things have changed now that they have the top selection though.
If Atlanta takes Alexandre Sarr, retaining a top-level guard like Young or Murray is crucial. Sarr's shot-blocking and all-around defensive ability change the dynamic of the Hawks' attack.
At 7'1″ with a 7'4″ wingspan, Sarr can cover ground like few can. Offensively, he can play on the perimeter or the post. The 19-year averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game with the NBL's Perth Wildcats. He also shot 50 percent from the field along with 27.6 on three-pointers.
Of course, Clint Capela has been serviceable for Atlanta in his own right as a double-double machine. Still, Atlanta could find newfound success with a new center.
Regardless of what happens on draft night, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray will continue to be closely monitored.
How will the Hawks reshape the roster going into the 2024 NBA Draft?
Young and Murray are arguably the Hawks' best players, and while they produced at a high level, the team has not been able to make a deep playoff run. The last time Atlanta advanced far in the postseason was in 2021 when they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
One year later, the Hawks lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat. Shortly afterward, Atlanta traded for Dejounte Murray in a blockbuster move with the San Antonio Spurs. Murray had come off his first All-Star appearance and looked to take the Hawks next level.
The 27-year-old is coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 22.5 points per game. Yet, he has been heavily mentioned in trade rumors due to Atlanta's middling success.
Like Murray, Trae Young is a great player who just has not been able to take his team over the hump.
Young led the Hawks with 25.7 points and an impressive 10.7 assists per game in 2023-24. Atlanta might be able to get past their woes if they keep Young on the roster for one more year alongside potential first pick Alexandre Sarr. In turn, they could focus their efforts on moving Murray for a return in assets or an upgrade at another position.
All in all one thing is for sure as Atlanta moves through the offseason: they have options, and plenty of them.
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