The offseason has arrived for 28 NBA teams, with only two remaining in pursuit of a championship. As the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and Phoenix Suns navigate their futures, each franchise faces unique challenges and opportunities.
Atlanta Hawks: Facing Key Decisions
The Hawks are a team to watch closely. While a trade involving Trae Young has been speculated upon, it currently seems unlikely. Instead, Atlanta might continue with its core of Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. If this is the path they take, enhancing their bench will be crucial this offseason. With the NBA’s CBA rules leading to expected three-team trades, Atlanta could strategically attach itself to a significant deal to bolster its bench. Their primary needs include interior defense, frontcourt depth, shooting, and a backup guard. Given the limited quality in this free agent class, the trade market might become essential for the Hawks, especially if they decide to bring back players like Caris LeVert, Clint Capela, or Larry Nance.
Phoenix Suns: A Difficult Situation
The Suns might find themselves in the most challenging position in the league. Without control over their draft picks for much of the decade, they face constraints due to the second apron rules and are burdened by the Bradley Beal contract, which carries a no-trade clause. Improving their roster could hinge on trading either Kevin Durant or Devin Booker, with Durant appearing more likely to move. His age and injury history raise questions about the return the Suns could receive in such a trade.
Market Interest for Durant
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Durant is expected to have a strong market this offseason, with about four to six teams showing serious interest. Moreover, Charania mentioned that the Suns plan to collaborate with Durant and his partner, Rich Kleiman, to explore potential landing spots for the 15-time All-Star.
Toronto Raptors: Chasing Stars
The Raptors continue to capture attention, with speculation about their pursuit of a star player, namely Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Giannis opts to stay with the Bucks, the Raptors will need to consider whether to maintain their current roster or chase another star to complement their talented group of wing players. NBA insiders have indicated that Toronto is also interested in acquiring Durant.
Potential Trade Proposal
How about a trade that helps each of these teams address their respective needs?
- Hawks Receive: Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale
- Raptors Receive: Kevin Durant
- Suns Receive: Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Terance Mann, Vit Krejci, a 2027 top-five protected 1st round pick (via TOR), a 2027 2nd round pick (from ATL), a 2029 2nd round pick (from ATL), and a 2031 2nd round pick (from ATL)
Why Each Team Might Proceed with the Trade
For the Hawks: Adding shooters like Allen and O’Neale targets a major concern from last season. Both players demonstrated three-point shooting proficiency and could significantly enhance Atlanta’s lineup. This potential trade would also allow them to maintain financial flexibility.
For the Suns: The desire for a center could be fulfilled by acquiring Poeltl, while Barrett represents a solid addition on a favorable contract, along with depth players Krejci and Mann. This trade could help Phoenix operate below the second apron limit.
For the Raptors: Securing Durant would likely guarantee playoff contention in an Eastern Conference that is wide open. They would retain valuable draft assets, providing further flexibility for future moves.
Concerns for Each Team
For the Hawks: The risk of acquiring players on long-term contracts who may not age well could deter them. There’s also a concern that the players acquired may not have significant impacts on games.
For the Suns: They may believe that a better deal for Durant exists, especially in a competitive Western Conference where this trade likely wouldn’t secure them a playoff spot.
For the Raptors: The roster makeup raises questions about balance. With Durant at 37 and battling past injuries, this trade poses considerable risk for a team looking to re-establish itself as a contender.
