Atlanta, GA
Hawks offseason primer: Will Atlanta trade Trae Young, Dejounte Murray? | Sporting News
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Atlanta Hawks are stuck in arguably the worst position in the NBA — not good enough to contend for a championship but not bad enough to secure a top-five pick in the draft.
Atlanta’s front office will have their hands full this offseason. There are some tough decisions on the horizon as they look to put the organization in the best position possible going forward.
Their upcoming free-agent class is not of much concern, with Saddiq Bey and Garrison Mathews highlighting the small bunch. The lack of draft capital over the next four seasons was not expected to become a problem, but the pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray hasn’t lived up to expectations, with the Hawks posting records of 36-46 and 41-41 in the tandem’s two seasons together. While the Hawks have their first-round pick this year, the San Antonio Spurs own Atlanta’s 2025 first-rounder and 2027 first-rounder along with a swap in 2026 due to the Murray trade.
If the front office decides to give up on this current iteration of the team, other franchises would waste no time picking up the phone in hopes of trading for Young or Murray. Both players would draw significant interest from rival front offices.
Should the Hawks part ways with Dejounte Murray?
Murray has three more guaranteed years remaining on his contract as well as a $31,619,506 player option for the 2027-28 season. However, it seems unlikely that Murray will remain in Atlanta for the duration of his deal. Murray’s lack of individual production has been frustrating for him and the franchise, especially considering the Hawks gave up three first-round picks and a pick swap for the one-time All-Star. He has averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds on 46.2% shooting from the field and 35.5% from 3-point range in Atlanta.
A reunion with the Spurs is not out of the equation, especially with San Antonio’s rebuild being expedited by generational talent Victor Wembanyama. Head coach Gregg Popovich is in desperate need of a playmaking point guard who can also act as a No. 2 offensive option behind Wemby. Murray fits this mold despite his numbers dipping with the Hawks, as he averaged 9.2 assists in his last year in San Antonio. The French center has yet to scratch the surface of his potential at 20 years old, but Murray could certainly speed up the process through his familiarity with the Spurs’ system.
Murray understands the Spurs’ style of play so he could contribute right away, unlike other potential targets who would need an adjustment period. A package centered around Atlanta regaining some of their draft capital could be a win for both sides. It’s worth noting that the Spurs were reportedly interested in reacquiring Murray prior to this year’s NBA trade deadline.
“Dejounte Murray is trade eligible starting today…One team that has a level of exploratory interest I’m told, is his former team, the San Antonio Spurs.”@ShamsCharania on Dejounte Murray’s current situation.
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/clX8AebJXn
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 9, 2024
Another intriguing destination for Murray is the Orlando Magic, who are in an intense first-round battle with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their backcourt is sufficient in the depth department with Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Anthony Black (plus impending free agent Markelle Fultz), but it lacks serious star power. Murray has the potential to push them over the hump and make them a true contender in the East alongside the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. Would Orlando be willing to part with Black and cap filler to bring in Murray?
Has Trae Young played his final game with the Hawks?
It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that Young may have played his final game in a Hawks uniform, but their downward spiral in recent years makes it impossible to ignore. His play has remained relatively consistent, with his playmaking improving in each of his six seasons. This season, he averaged a career-high 10.8 assists to go along with 25.7 points. The reality is the team stands no chance against the NBA’s powerhouses with Young and Murray as the top options.
With that said, at 25 years old, it’s not too late to build around the former No. 5 overall pick. Finding gems in upcoming draft classes with acquired picks is the key if they choose to keep Young.
Alternatively, if the Hawks decide to part ways with Young, teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans are always looking to make an offseason splash. Los Angeles is running out of time with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as their centerpieces, with James turning 40 years old at the end of this year. Inconsistencies in their guard pairing of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves have been their biggest issue in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Acquiring Young would solidify their Big Three as one the best in the Western Conference, perhaps allowing them to challenge the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Meanwhile, Young meshes with the Pelicans’ time frame to near perfection. Their core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III are all between the ages of 23–26. Young and Williamson would form a nice one-two punch, with Young being able to carry the load if Williamson is sidelined (as he has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his time in the league).
The option of trading both star guards is also on the table if Atlanta wishes to start fresh and rebuild from the ground up, but re-acquiring their picks is a must if that route is their preferred choice.
Atlanta, GA
Braves News: Austin Riley progressing, Atlanta secures series win, and more
The Atlanta Braves received another positive update from third baseman Austin Riley, who exited Sunday’s game with soreness on his side. An MRI revealed that there was just some inflammation and that a move to the injured list would not be necessary.
David O’Brien of The Athletic reported that Riley told manager Brian Snitker that he was feeling much better on Tuesday.
Austin Riley felt “much better” today and was even having trouble finding the spot that’s sore in his side, Snitker said. Still day-to-day, but sounds like IL definitely not needed, barring any setbacks.
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 14, 2024
After this news, it is still likely that Riley will return to the lineup this week.
More Braves News:
Chris Sale was dominant as the Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0 to win the series. The Braves are now 6-4 in their last 10 and trail the NL East by two games.
Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves’ No. 3 prospect, has been promoted to Double-A Mississippi. The 23-year-old has manufactured a 2.53 ERA in High-A Rome this season.
Over the past week, AJ Smith-Shawver has turned in two starts and EJ Exposito has kept his hot streak alive. For more, check out the Braves’ Prospects Weekly Report.
Braves Podcasts:
MLB News:
Houston Astros starter Ronel Blanco was ejected on Tuesday night after a foreign substance check. The glove is being sent to the commissioner’s office.
Minnesota Twins reliever Justin Topa will be shut down for six weeks with a partially-torn patellar tendon in his left knee. There is a surgical option for Topa, but as of right now, he has declined it.
The Milwaukee Brewers placed first baseman Rhys Hoskins on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain. He is expected to miss two to four weeks.
The Chicago White Sox moved right-hander Michael Soroka to the bullpen after a tough season in the rotation spot thus far. He has put together a 6.39 ERA in nine starts.
The New York Mets designated two players for assignment in infielder Joey Wendle and reliever Yohan Ramirez.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery last summer, New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez began a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday.
Atlanta, GA
Report: Steelers' opponent, location revealed for season opener
As he settles in as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith will reportedly head into familiar territory right away. According to WSB-TV’s Zach Klein, the Steelers will head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in the season opener.
Smith spent the last three years as the Falcons’ head coach, amassing a 21-30 record before his firing after the 2023 season. He then latched on with the Steelers, where he’ll now work with a quarterback room of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields after some major moves this offseason.
According to Klein, Smith won’t have to wait long to return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Smith spoke about his tenure in Atlanta after taking over in Pittsburgh earlier this offseason, pointing out the need to build the roster from scratch during his time at the helm.
“It was a unique situation, essentially rebuilding a team” Smith said, via Falcon Report’s Daniel Flick. “There were some good lessons learned. It was a tough lesson, but it’ll help me here, especially with some of the young players here that we have, and how you fit the offense and try to play to those guys’ strengths.”
Pittsburgh and Atlanta both made major moves at the quarterback position this offseason. Wilson is coming in as the expected starter for the Steelers this year with Fields as his backup while the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract and selected Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Raheem Morris is now at the helm for Atlanta, as well.
Chiefs, Ravens to kick off 2024 NFL season
The full NFL schedule is set to be revealed Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET, but some games have already been announced. That includes the first game of the year, which will see the two-time defending champions in a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship.
The Super Bowl LVIII-winning Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Baltimore Ravens in a highly anticipated matchup to start the year. The 2024 NFL season begins on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Baltimore 1-3 against the Chiefs with quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes under center. Last time the Chiefs and Ravens were face-to-face, Kansas City won 17-10 and advanced to the championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Nikki Chavanelle contributed to this report.
Atlanta, GA
Flaky Not Flaky Opening in Downtown Atlanta | What Now Atlanta
Libby Allnatt
Libby Allnatt is the Editor/Reporter for What Now Atlanta. She has been in the journalism industry since graduating from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, gathering experience in copy editing, writing and social media. With a passion for helping people find their new favorite places, Libby enjoys highlighting small businesses, trying new coffee shops and exploring a city’s signature spots. Originally from Salt Lake City, she loves discovering all the Peach State has to offer.
-
Politics1 week ago
House Dems seeking re-election seemingly reverse course, call on Biden to 'bring order to the southern border'
-
Politics1 week ago
Fetterman says anti-Israel campus protests ‘working against peace' in Middle East, not putting hostages first
-
News1 week ago
US man diagnosed with brain damage after allegedly being pushed into lake
-
World1 week ago
Gaza ceasefire talks at crucial stage as Hamas delegation leaves Cairo
-
World1 week ago
Stand-in Jose Raul Mulino wins Panama presidential race
-
World1 week ago
Tech compliance reports, Newsletter
-
News1 week ago
Columbia University cancels its main commencement ceremony after weeks of turmoil
-
News1 week ago
Compass Direct LLC’s 2024 Registration in North Carolina