The Atlanta Hawks are entering a critical offseason following a disappointing season where they failed to make the playoffs despite being the No. 8 seed. The Eastern Conference has seen a talent drain due to injuries to key players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Damian Lillard, possibly opening a window for teams like the Hawks to seize the moment. The Hawks have a solid young core with Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, and a significant decision looms: whether to trade four-time All-Star Trae Young.

Young had an impressive season with averages of 24.2 points and 11.6 assists, but his defensive struggles raise questions about his fit with the emerging talent around him. Atlanta's new general manager, Onsi Saleh, reportedly hasn't engaged in serious trade talks involving Young, preferring to assess the development of the team's young prospects before making any moves. This strategic pause could determine the Hawks' future trajectory.