After getting absolutely pummeled by the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks will be looking to make some serious adjustments in the offseason. As one of the most prolific scorers and playmakers in the league, Trae Young was merely non-existent in the series and could not gain any momentum against the tenacious Heat defense.

Young posted averages of 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting just 31.9% from the field and 18.4% from beyond the arc. These are very uncharacteristic numbers from him, given his mastery of lighting up the scoreboard routinely.

The Hawks' biggest need this summer will be finding a few facilitators and high production combo guards who can lessen Young's load on offense.

Let's take a look at four early targets for the Hawks in the 2022 NBA free agency.

Hawks 2022 NBA Free Agent Targets

4. Kyle Anderson 

While playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Anderson has established himself as a highly effective point-forward who can run with the best of them. With the Hawks, he could excel running the point and allow Young to roam freely and create a ton of scoring opportunities for his teammates.

With elite shooters like De'Andre Hunter, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter, John Collins, and Bogdan Bogdanovic at the helm, having a reliable ballhandler like Anderson would allow the Hawks to run a more free-flowing offense. This would be more beneficial than constantly forcing Ice Trae into playing iso-ball. The addition of Anderson also allows Young to come off screens and knock down more shots in catch-and-shoot scenarios.

3. Bruce Brown

As a do-it-all hustle player for the Brooklyn Nets, Brown is one guy who plays bigger than he is. His aggressive on-ball defense and timely scoring punch would be a huge help to the Hawks. Whether he'd be starting or coming off the bench, Brown is a two-way talent who would elevate the Hawks' play on both ends of the court.

If the Hawks are hoping to get off to a better start next season, then pursuing Brown in free agency would add to this effort greatly.

2. Jalen Brunson 

In the midst of a career year with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson would be an ideal signing for the Hawks in the offseason. As a defensive-minded combo guard who can impact the game in a multitude of ways, Brunson's value would be felt immediately in Atlanta.

His ability to thrive under pressure and knock down big shots while making crucial plays as a facilitator would give Young all the help he needs and enable Brunson to grow into a star in the league. Still just 25 years old, Brunson could form an exciting duo with Young and give the Hawks their backcourt of the future.

1. Zach LaVine 

Even though this signing is highly unlikely, it's still a move the Hawks should consider making. LaVine's limitless athleticism, scoring, and playmaking would be a perfect fit in Atlanta. Assembling a backcourt of Young and LaVine would elevate the Hawks' title chances considerably. They'd also have the most electric scoring tandem in the NBA. Just the very idea of these two All-Star guards playing off of each other is scary.

Not only would this allow Young to play off the ball more often, but it would also give the Hawks another player who could take over the game in pivotal moments. This signing may be a long shot, but it'd also be a real game-changer for the squad. Getting LaVine would catapult the Hawks back into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.