The Atlanta Hawks have less than 24 hours to make a trade before the NBA’s Trade Deadline at 3PM EST Thursday. The team could also choose to stay right where they are and contend for a playoff spot after winning four-of-five before heading into Boston Wednesday night for a pivotal match with the Celtics. A few weeks ago. Dejounte Murray’s name was rampant in rumors with the Lakers and others teams but those rumors have slowly dissipated.
The issue for the Hawks is reportedly not being able to find the value they seek for Murray in return. ESPN reports they are seeking multiple first-round picks. With that said, the team sits 10th in the Eastern Conference and six games under .500 heading into Wednesday night. The direction the team chooses to go has a massive impact on the remainder of their season. If the team stands pat or makes a minor addition it signals the club believes that the team caught their stride at the right time.
The Hawks’ issues have now stretched across multiple seasons as they look to regain the form that they were in when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals three seasons ago. Trae Young is having a career year and Jalen Johnson has emerged as a potential star. But the inconstancy and lack of defense continues to plague the franchise. We will know by day’s end tomorrow where the team appears headed for the rest of this season.