NBA teams think the Atlanta Hawks could take a bold approach with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray

The Atlanta Hawks have been heavily mentioned in NBA rumors this season, both in regards to their plans for the No. 1 overall pick and speculation regarding the futures of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Although no decision is imminent, a new belief is gaining ground around the league.

Atlanta finished 36-46 last season, missing the NBA playoffs after being eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference in consecutive seasons. With the team seemingly unable to improve with its current core, a wide variety of changes are being considered.

Related: Atlanta Hawks Coach Wants Specific Player With No. 1 Pick

• DeJounte Murray stats (2022-’24): 21.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 46.2% FG, 35.5% 3PT, 0.084 winning shares per 48 minutes, 0.548 TS% on a usage rate of 25 .5%

Some of the latest NBA trade rumors suggest that Atlanta could move up from the No. 1 overall pick, acquire several lottery picks this year and use those selections to build around Young and Murray. On the other hand, there is now talk in the league of the organization’s opposite approach.

In a recent episode of The Bill Simmons PodcastSimmons noted that there is buzz around the NBA that the Hawks could end up trading Murray and Young this summer and blow up their roster.

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NBA Rumors: Teams Think Atlanta Hawks Could Blow It All Up

“Some people seem to think these two guys are traded, that’s one thing I’ve heard… From different people who don’t know each other, who know things, (they said the Hawks are) just like, ‘You know.’ what, we got the number one pick, it didn’t work out, we made it to the conference finals that time, let’s just try to blow it.

Bill Simmons on the Atlanta Hawks

One thing that has become evident in NBA news this offseason is that teams are better on Murray than Young. Although clubs are interested in both players, the consensus is that Murray is the more valuable player and rivals are prioritizing a deal for him over pursuing Young.

• Trae Young stats (2022-’24): 26.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG < 10.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 43% FG, 35.4% 3PT, 0.121 winning shares per 48 minutes, 0.578 TS% on a usage rate of 31.7 %

Related: San Antonio Spurs Eyeing Blockbuster Trade With Atlanta Hawks

In theory, Atlanta could trade Murray to a team like the San Antonio Spurs for a package of draft picks, including regaining the draft rights to the Hawks’ 2025 first-round selection, owned by San Antonio. If such a deal is reached, then Atlanta could feel more comfortable flipping Young with the security of having some control over his future draft rights.

As of now, nothing is imminent and the range of outcomes for the Hawks this season varies from trading the top pick to build a better team around their All-Star guards or trading both players for initiate a complete rebuild. With the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26, all the rumors about the Hawks should end fairly soon with a more definitive answer on draft night.