The Atlanta Hawks have won 36 games in 2023-24, their fewest since the 2019-20 season. It was also the last time the Hawks missed the playoffs before failing in 2023-24, with their latest failure triggering a reorganization of the list.
But their measures, which seemed aimed at better supporting Trae Young, are likely to have the opposite effect.
This could be disastrous for the Hawks.
“The Hawks had a busy summer — trading guard Dejoute Murray and drafting Zaccharie Risacher at No. 1 — but they’re considering a fourth consecutive appearance “In the play-in group, according to our panel,” ESPN staff wrote on Aug. 22.
There is a saying that doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.
The question is whether the Hawks or, perhaps worse, Young feel that way or not.
That’s a question only they can answer, and only after the season is over. But their actions and comments during the 2024 offseason alone could suggest that last summer’s conversations will intensify in 2025.
Young’s name was brought up in trade speculation ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, with Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reporting that teams came away feeling like a winning team. trade was possible this summer.
Not only did that not happen, but the Hawks now have length and defense around Young.
However, Murray was an easier trade for the Hawks because of his height (6’4″) and his more modest contract. Another season of poor results could prompt the Hawks to follow through on those exploratory talks.
Young, for his part, said he wanted to be in Atlanta and took every step possible. opportunity to illustrate.
He also stressed that he wants to winHowever.
A ninth-place regular-season finish and another extended path to the playoffs isn’t exactly a step in the right direction. Young hasn’t publicly pushed for a trade, and it would be risky to expect him to do so even if the Hawks struggle in 2024-25.
The roster is still young despite having aging veterans at key positions. The Murray trade also brought with it two first-round picks that could become more valuable over time.
Another year of development from Jalen Johnson and Risacher could change their outlook for 2025.
For the Hawks, it could be difficult to move Young. Despite the guaranteed offense he provides, and perhaps even because of it to some extent, he is also a target on defense. That’s why surrounding him with big, defensive players is paramount.
It remains to be seen whether or not the changes the Hawks have made will achieve that. And if not, things could get very interesting in 2025.
