The Hawks fell to the Bulls in the play-in, failing to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020 as a result. With a roster that doesn’t fit together even when healthy, Atlanta could look to go in a number of different directions this offseason. Atlanta is stuck in the middle, lacking incentive to tank due to the first-round picks they owe the Spurs as a result of acquiring Murray, but also having talented players on the roster.

As The Athletic’s John Hollinger observes, attention will likely turn to star guard Trae Young after trade talks involving Dejounte Murray didn’t pan out at the deadline this year. Speculation regarding Young’s future continues to run rampant, and teams like the Lakers and Spurs are some of the most frequently named potential destinations.Additionally, the Hawks have money tied up in the frontcourt to both Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, with Hollinger pondering whether the team will look to trade one. Atlanta’s most significant impending free agent is Saddiq Bey, set to be restricted this summer.

Both Hollinger and ESPN’s Bobby Marks assert the Hawks need to pick a lane by making a significant move of some kind, whether that’s moving Young or Murray. Armed with a young core that includes extension-eligible Jalen Johnson, Kobe Bufkin, Okongwu and Griffin, along with potentially two top-15 picks (if Sacramento makes the playoffs), Atlanta has the tools necessary to re-tool rather than fully rebuild if they so choose.