NBA Trades: The Magic land a star in risky potential deal with Hawks

Ever since they surprisingly made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, the Atlanta Hawks have been the definition of mediocrity. Despite making a huge trade to acquire Dejounte Murray in 2022 to boost them in the east, the Hawks have still not reached contender status.

In that trade, Atlanta gave up three first round picks, with two of them being unprotected in 2025 and 2027. The Hawks acquired Murray with the hope that he could be an all around guard to pair next to their own all-star point guard and take Atlanta to the next level. In their two full seasons together, the duo has not led Atlanta to a playoff series win.

Atlanta has been in the play-in for three consecutive seasons and their win totals have declined in each year as well, going from 43 in 2022 to 41 in 2023 to 36 this past season. However, they were able to get the number one pick in the NBA draft and used the selection on Zaccharrie Risacher, who is a versatile wing with upside on both ends of the floor.

The Hawks then traded Murray to the Pelicans for Larry Nance, Dyson Daniels, and two first round picks, signaling that the team may be ready for a rebuild. The team has listed Jalen Johnson as the only untouchable player, and Risacher likely has that distinction as well. If that is the case, acquiring more draft capital should be the goal.

That leads us to an interesting trade proposal with the Orlando Magic, who have a need at point guard and the Hawks have a star one that is available.