The Atlanta Hawks have had some offseason luck, as they jumped in the lottery to land the top pick. With that happening, the Hawks could be one of the most active teams in free agency.
Atlanta had already been in trade rumors with their star guards, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, prior to landing the first overall pick.
Rumors around the two stars have only heated up, as many speculate that the Hawks will build around their first overall pick and young forward, Jalen Johnson. In this scenario, the Hawks may keep one of Young or Murray, but it's unlikely that both will stay.
The Hawks have plenty of other veterans that could be on the move this offseason. Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter are all names who could be on the move.
Atlanta has a chance to reset their focus and establish a young core. With the potential for a flurry of moves, here are three early Hawks free agency targets as they reshape their roster.
Hawks sign Lonnie Walker IV
Lonnie Walker IV could be a great free agency addition if the Hawks opt to retool their roster toward youth. Walker IV is only 25 -years-old and has had back-to-back quality seasons.
He appeared in 58 games for the Brooklyn Nets this season. Walker averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 42.3 percent from the floor and 38.4 percent from three.
Walker IV can be a scoring punch off the bench while providing solid defense. He hasn't found a consistent role over the past few seasons, but the Hawks could offer him a role that would allow him to grow.
The six-foot-four wing would be a quality free agency addition for Atlanta.
Atlanta targets Max Christie
Another young wing the Hawks could target is Max Christie. The 21-year-old has shown the potential to be a quality 3-and-D ace through his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Christie averaged 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three this season.
While Christie's numbers seem underwhelming, he hasn't been utilized well. Former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham gave Christie inconsistent minutes, often going from a key rotational piece one night to a DNP coach's decision.
Christie is a restricted free agent, and the Lakers are interested in re-signing him. However, Atlanta should offer him a deal and see if Los Angeles will match it.
You can never have enough wings in the NBA, and Christie is a young one with a ton of potential.
Hawks covet Joe Ingles
As the Hawks potentially shift into a youth movement with the number one overall pick, they could use a veteran leader. Joe Ingles is a veteran locker-room presence who is still a solid role player.
Ingles signed with the Orlando Magic last offseason and has an $11 million team option this offseason. The 36-year-old helped the young Magic team transform to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and they took the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games.
Ingles averaged 4.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 43.5 percent from downtown.
The veteran forward had the third-highest plus-minus on the Magic this season at +163. He is still an impactful player and leader in the locker room. If Orlando declines his team option, the Hawks should pursue him as a veteran for their youth movement.
Atlanta will be an active team throughout the offseason. The Hawks have a ton of decisions to make, but in free agency, Walker IV, Christie, and Ingles should be among their targets.
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