As the NBA season advances toward the trade deadline, few teams are generating as much buzz as the Atlanta Hawks. The surge in NBA Hawks trade rumors comes at a time when the franchise finds itself facing critical decisions about its future. With a core led by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, the Hawks are at a strategic crossroads—caught between competing in a crowded Eastern Conference and retooling for long-term success.
Front offices across the NBA are closely monitoring Atlanta’s next move. Whether the Hawks choose to be sellers, buyers, or take a more cautious approach, their direction will influence the midseason trade landscape. The buzz around the franchise isn’t limited to speculation—league insiders confirm that Atlanta has already been involved in multiple trade discussions, particularly involving key rotational players.
In this detailed guide, we will explore everything fans and analysts need to know about current NBA Hawks trade rumors, including who might be on the move, what the team is looking for, how their salary cap situation influences their options, and what possible trade packages might look like.
Why Atlanta Is Active in Trade Rumors
The Hawks entered the 2024–25 season with expectations of being a solid playoff team. However, tinconsistency, defensive lapses, and roster imbalance have left them hovering around the play-in threshold. While there’s no lack of talent, the roster construction has led to chemistry concerns and performance issues.
Here are a few major reasons why the NBA Hawks trade rumors have intensified:
- The Young-Murray backcourt has yet to deliver expected results.
- The team is approaching luxury tax territory.
- Multiple players are under long-term contracts that limit flexibility.
- Younger talent is waiting in the wings for more minutes.
- Ownership wants results and is evaluating all options.
The Hawks are in a precarious position—good enough to compete on any night but not consistent enough to threaten the top teams in the conference. That has made them both potential buyers and sellers, depending on how things progress leading up to the trade deadline.
Key Hawks Players Involved in Trade Rumors
Dejounte Murray
One of the most discussed names in recent weeks, Dejounte Murray was brought in to complement Trae Young in the backcourt. While individually productive, the pairing hasn’t clicked to the level Atlanta hoped for. As a result, Murray is a prominent figure in trade discussions.
Stat Line:
PPG: 21.0 | APG: 5.7 | RPG: 4.4 | SPG: 1.3
Trade Value:
High. Teams are interested in Murray’s two-way capabilities, and his contract extension provides cost certainty.
Rumored Suitors:
Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat
A trade involving Murray could bring back valuable assets, including draft picks and young players, helping the Hawks reshape their roster more effectively around Trae Young.
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Clint Capela
Capela remains one of the NBA’s best rebounders and rim protectors. However, with Onyeka Okongwu ready for more responsibility, Capela’s name has surfaced in multiple trade discussions.
Stat Line:
PPG: 11.3 | RPG: 10.7 | BPG: 1.6
Trade Value:
Moderate. Capela’s experience and defensive presence make him a valuable addition for playoff teams.
Rumored Suitors:
Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings
Trading Capela could free up minutes for Okongwu and allow the team to go smaller and faster, aligning with the style coach Quin Snyder prefers.
Bogdan Bogdanović
A consistent scorer and floor-spacer, Bogdanović is highly valued around the league. His ability to create offense and hit shots under pressure makes him a hot target for contenders.
Stat Line:
PPG: 15.6 | 3P%: 38.7 | FT%: 87.1
Trade Value:
High. Bogdanović’s veteran presence and efficient shooting could command a strong return.
Rumored Suitors:
Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks
If the Hawks choose to reset their roster, moving Bogdanović could be a strategic move that balances performance and asset acquisition.
De’Andre Hunter
Hunter has the physical tools to be an elite two-way wing but has battled injuries and inconsistency. He remains a polarizing figure in NBA Hawks trade rumors—a player with potential who may benefit from a new environment.
Stat Line:
PPG: 13.4 | RPG: 4.2 | 3P%: 35.8
Trade Value:
Medium. Teams may view him as a buy-low candidate with upside.
Rumored Suitors:
Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs
Hunter’s value depends on what teams believe he can still become. If the Hawks feel they’ve seen his ceiling, they may include him in a larger package.
Players Atlanta Likely Will Not Trade
Not every player is available. Some are seen as foundational pieces or too early in their development to move.
- Trae Young: Still the face of the franchise. While not untouchable in theory, any trade involving him would signal a full-scale rebuild—unlikely this season.
- Onyeka Okongwu: Expected to take over more responsibility if Capela is moved.
- AJ Griffin: A young player with shooting upside. The front office remains committed to his development.
Hawks Trade Strategy: Reset or Retool?
The biggest internal debate for Atlanta’s front office is whether to reset the core or simply retool around Trae Young. A full rebuild seems unlikely given Young’s age and market value, but a controlled retooling process is already underway.
Signs Pointing to Retooling
- Capela trade rumors indicate a shift toward Okongwu.
- Murray being shopped suggests a return to a single-lead guard system.
- Young players like Jalen Johnson are getting more minutes.
- Bogdanović’s availability shows a willingness to shift veteran roles.
The most realistic approach is trading 1–2 core players for pieces that better fit Quin Snyder’s system while maintaining a competitive edge.
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Atlanta Hawks’ Biggest Roster Needs
As rumors swirl, it’s important to understand what the Hawks actually need in return if they make deals:
Perimeter Defense
The Hawks rank near the bottom of the league in defensive rating. Acquiring players who can guard wings and point-of-attack ball handlers is essential.
3-Point Shooting
Outside of Bogdanović and Young, consistent outside shooting has been unreliable. Adding more floor-spacers would unlock the offense and improve spacing.
Draft Capital
The Hawks have limited control over future picks due to the Murray trade. Re-acquiring draft flexibility is a key part of any trade negotiations.
Salary Cap Relief
The team is flirting with the luxury tax. Moving mid-sized contracts could help reset their financial position ahead of future free agent classes.
Financial Implications of Potential Trades
The Hawks are operating close to the tax line, making every dollar important. Key financial considerations include:
- Avoiding the second tax apron, which restricts trade flexibility.
- Creating room for future extensions (Okongwu, Jalen Johnson).
- Preserving mid-level exceptions and roster-building tools under the new CBA.
Teams that want to trade for Hawks players must also be cap-conscious. Many trade scenarios will involve expiring contracts or matching salaries precisely.
Mock Trade Scenarios
To better visualize how these rumors could turn into reality, here are a few trade scenarios involving key Hawks players.
Trade 1: Murray to the Lakers
Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, 2029 First-Round Pick
Lakers Receive: Dejounte Murray
This gives the Hawks a pick and some financial flexibility while giving the Lakers a better defender alongside LeBron and AD.
Trade 2: Capela to the Pelicans
Hawks Receive: Jonas Valančiūnas, 2025 Second-Round Pick
Pelicans Receive: Clint Capela
Atlanta gets a short-term replacement with an expiring deal while opening up more minutes for Okongwu.
Trade 3: Bogdanović to the 76ers
Hawks Receive: Furkan Korkmaz, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected)
76ers Receive: Bogdan Bogdanović
Philly adds much-needed shooting, and Atlanta adds draft capital and avoids future tax pressure.
League-Wide Impact of Hawks Trade Activity
Atlanta’s decisions could have ripple effects across the NBA. If they trade Murray, it would take a major name off the market and shift demand toward other available guards. If they sell multiple veterans, it could trigger a buyer’s frenzy among playoff hopefuls.
Teams like the Heat, Lakers, Bucks, and Warriors are watching closely. The Hawks’ moves could reset trade values for other players on the block.
Inside the Hawks’ Front Office Thinking
General Manager Landry Fields and coach Quin Snyder are believed to be working in lockstep. Snyder’s long-term vision is driving roster assessments. The team is now emphasizing:
- Positional versatility
- Defensive upside
- Long-term financial health
- Sustainable culture over short-term patchwork
Expect thoughtful, not impulsive, moves from Atlanta.
Final Prediction
While a complete overhaul is unlikely, expect at least one major move—possibly involving Dejounte Murray—and one or two smaller deals. Capela and Bogdanović are likely trade pieces if offers meet Atlanta’s value threshold.
The Hawks are approaching the deadline not out of panic, but with purpose.
Conclusion
The swirling NBA Hawks trade rumors represent more than gossip—they are indicators of a team wrestling with its identity and future. With a high-powered offense, defensive issues, and a roster filled with overlapping skillsets, Atlanta has reached a point of inflection.
Whether the front office chooses to break up its current core or tweak it slightly, the moves made at this trade deadline will shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. The spotlight is on the Hawks, and the league is watching.
FAQs
Q: Is Trae Young going to be traded?
A: Highly unlikely. He remains the franchise cornerstone and face of the team.
Q: Will the Hawks move Dejounte Murray?
A: It’s one of the most likely significant trades, given the current rumors and fit concerns.
Q: What teams are interested in Hawks players?
A: Lakers, 76ers, Heat, Pelicans, and others have been linked to Hawks targets.
Q: Are the Hawks rebuilding?
A: Not completely. They appear to be retooling, focusing on better-fitting pieces and long-term sustainability.
Q: When is the NBA trade deadline?
A: The NBA trade deadline typically falls in early February, with this season’s deadline expected to follow suit.
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