Atlanta Hawks face lingering question after quiet free agency

The Atlanta Hawks avoided one of the wildest free agency cycles in recent memory. We saw legends like Klay Thompson leave the Golden State Warriors after 13 incredible seasons and sign with the NBA Finals runners-up Dallas Mavericks. The Los Angeles Clippers decided to part ways with Paul George after five disappointing injury-filled years.

George signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, making the Hawks’ climb into the Eastern Conference even more difficult. That begs the question: Were the Hawks the winners or losers of free agency?

General manager Landry Fields and management traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans on June 28 for multiple draft picks, including a first-round pick in the extremely rich 2025 NBA Draft. The draft capital had to be recouped from their trade with the Spurs two years ago to acquire Murray, and the package also included four players.

Dyson Daniels, EJ Liddell, Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller were sent to the Hawks, which sparked controversy among fans as Pelicans star Brandon Ingram was not included in the package.

Fans will argue over whether Murray or Trae Young is a better fit for the team and what they are building in Atlanta. Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists in the 2023-24 season, while Murray averaged 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Murray, a pass-oriented point guard, adapted to an off-the-ball style of play, which led to a career-high 201 3-pointers made during the season.

Despite his efforts, the Hawks went a mediocre 41-41 in their first season and 36-46 the following season after the roster was decimated by injuries.

One of the guards was expected to be traded, and management sided with their centerpiece of the last six seasons. It was one of the biggest trades in recent memory for the Hawks, but they haven’t done anything else since.

Fans thought Clint Capela was next in line due to his $22 million contract expiring, and his performance has regressed. Casual fans will recognize his double-double averages. But those who follow the Hawks closely are aware of his decline. Since tearing his Achilles tendon in 2021, Capela has not been the same.

All signs pointed to a potential trade, especially since Onyeka Okongwu signed a four-year, $62 million contract extension at age 23, making him the center of the future, or so we thought.

The only possible explanation is that Fields and management are nervous about giving up the starting spot to Okongwu. There has been no news of an extension for Capela, and if he were to leave in 2025 for nothing, it would devastate the Hawks.

This isn’t the first time the franchise has had a quiet summer, as they’ve been constantly ridiculed for their offseason inactivity, but Young’s patience is starting to wear thin. The mood among management is that they’re preparing for his departure, especially now that they have Zaccharie Risacher after selecting him with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Daniels will be a great addition to Young as he is a big, 6-foot-1 guard who can play 1-3 in Snyder’s rotation. He showed great promise during his time with the Australian national team, scoring 14 points and three steals against Team USA on July 15.

Liddell also had a strong showing during NBA Summer League 2K25, scoring 22 points, grabbing five rebounds and blocking four shots when the Hawks played the San Antonio Spurs on July 14.

One thing is for sure: They’ve improved their defense immensely, which was a major problem for them last season. Fields is still very cryptic about what moves management is about to make. But they’re filling out the roster with three-point shooting and exceptional perimeter defense. Fox Sports had the Hawks’ over/under at 35.5 wins on July 19, a record worse than the 2023-24 season.

The official end date for free agency is October 21st. But with the Hawks at full strength, their primary means of improving will be through trade packages. Fans will have to be patient to see if the Hawks are declared “winners or losers” of free agency, and hopefully Fields will have another trick up his sleeve before the summer is over.