The expectations from the Atlanta Hawks have multiplied after GM Onsi Saleh pulled off an offseason for the ages. The organization that was seemingly stuck in Play-In Purgatory with no light at the end of the tunnel turned things around over the summer. Now, the Hawks have one of their deepest and most talented rosters they have had in the Trae Young era.
At this point in the offseason, the Hawks are unlikely to make any major moves. There could be a cut or a signing at the back end of the roster, but Atlanta will start the season with the current group. Depending on how things go in the fall, however, the Hawks could continue to be active to set themselves up for a deep postseason run.
Regardless of how things go to start the season, however, Kobe Bufkin may find himself as the odd man out in Atlanta. If the team is off to a hot start, flipping Bufkin along with a first-round pick for an immediate upgrade to be more competitive would make sense. If the Hawks are off to a poor start, cutting their losses and moving on from Bufkin before his trade value tanks even further will be a likely scenario.
Hawks Will Likely Part Ways With Kobe Bufkin Before It's Too Late
The reason Bufkin is so expendable after two seasons with the Hawks is that he hasn't been able to establish himself as a rotation player in the NBA. Despite Atlanta's desperate need for more playmaking in non-Trae Young minutes, Bufkin failed to step into a role and earn himself minutes.
While it's important to note that the former Michigan star dealt with injuries in his second year in the league, his performance wasn't too impressive in his G League and Summer League stints, either. Fortunately, Bufkin has yet to turn 22 and has many years ahead of him. A fresh start elsewhere that will have more patience and playing time for him could do wonders for his confidence and development.
With the additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in the backcourt, the Hawks don't really need Bufkin. If they could add more center depth behind Kristaps Porzingis using Bufkin's salary slot, they would have a more balanced and formidable team. Expect Saleh to pursue such a move before 2025 is over.