The Atlanta Hawks' failing to qualify for this year's playoff bracket should serve as a wake-up call to the team's ownership. It appears that this could be the case with the team already firing a GM whose most notable moves were reversing the biggest signings and trades of his tenure. It was a failed marriage that kept the Hawks mired in frustrating mediocrity. Now, the team is facing a pivotal offseason that will be dominated by the question of Trae Young's future.
Atlanta's point guard is continually disrespected and underrated based on a team unable to properly support the guard. With this in mind, it is time the team considers making a drastic move. One that gives them two established scorers and keeps the majority of their young core intact. It is time for the Hawks to attempt to swing big and enter the chase for Suns star forward Kevin Durant.
Kevin Durant Would Perfectly Complement Trae Young in Atlanta
The Suns are a complete mess that can only be fixed by shedding contracts and attempting a hard reset. With this in mind, it is expected that Kevin Durant is going to be on the move in the 2025 offseason. Durant remains an unstoppable scorer who simply hasn't found the right landing spot after leaving Golden State. It is established that the star thinks outside the box, having joined the Nets and Suns. Neither franchise is an established contender, and both were desperate to find the star power of Durant.
Bringing us to the potential trade cost of adding the Phoenix star, Durant is entering the final year of his contract. This leaves a potential trade price likely in Atlanta's price range without destroying the team's young core. It is at least worth exploring for a team that remains stuck in neutral.
Trae being undersized limits what Atlanta can do when the team needs a bucket most. Yes, Trae is a proven performer in the clutch who loves the big moments. However, when it is playoff time, too often teams are able to bully the guard, blitzing the ball, understanding that there isn't anyone else on the floor who presents the offensive risk of a proven scorer.
Kevin Durant instantly changes this for Atlanta and would make them a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference. If the Hawks are serious about stopping the continual play-in appearances and showing actual improvement, this is the level of move the team must attempt to make. Anything less will be viewed as a failure by a jaded fanbase that remains desperate to be given a reason to believe this team is finally ready to turn the corner.