Hawks will likely trade 1 of these 2 key players

The Atlanta Hawks got off to a hot start in the 2022-23 NBA season, coming out of the gates with a 7-3 record. Their splash takeover of Dejounte Murray paid early dividends as the Hawks rolled at both ends of the field. In recent weeks, however, they have not been nearly as productive.

Since that start, Atlanta has gone 6-9 and their production has dropped. The Hawks have made progress defensively as they are 16th in defensive rating, but their offense has become a problem. They are currently 19th in offensive rating, something which is hard to believe given the backcourt duo they have.

The front office has done a good job building the roster around Trae Young, using his skills and trying to make up for his shortcomings. Three-point shooters surround him to make the most of his playmaking and two-way players are a necessity as Young remains a sieve as one of the worst defensemen in the NBA.

But building that roster hasn’t been cheap. Atlanta is headed for luxury tax territory, something it will do everything in its power to avoid. Therefore, expect to see a lot of trade rumors involving the Hawks.

According to Michael Scotto from HoopsHype, some potential trading targets are already emerging. John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela are three names to keep an eye on.

“Following the $95 million four-year extension with forward De’Andre Hunter, rival NBA executives believe Atlanta will likely have to part with either forward John Collins, swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic or center Clint Capela to avoid looming luxury tax problems next season. ”

Collins is in the second year of a five-year, $125 million contract and has been involved in trade rumors for years. Is in the middle of the worst season of his career and could use a change of scenery.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins & Atlanta Hawks Updates

Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin are more than capable of soaking up Collins minutes along with De’Andre Hunter should he get moved. Bogdanovic has a player option for next season, so he could be seen as contract expiring in some scenarios and is the most available of the three.

Capela signed an extension in 2021 that will keep him under contract until 2025. It was an odd decision to renew, as the Hawks have Onyeka Okongwu, the No. 6 pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, waiting in the wings. He is ready for a bigger role and eligible for an off-season extension, meaning this roster will only get more expensive with no trades happening.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins & Atlanta Hawks Updates

Don’t forget that Murray will also be getting a new contract soon. His current contract runs until 2024. If he continues to produce at the level he has, a max contract could very well be in the future.