The Atlanta Hawks finished their NBA season in a disappointing manner. Finishing 9th in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks could only muster 40 wins. Thus, going into the next season, the Hawks are now looking to add some quality to their squad. And in the hunt to acquire some big names, the Hawks have a trump card up their sleeve.
And that is none other than a $25 million trade exception. In a recent r000eport from Jake Fischer of Stein Line Insider, the Hawks are reportedly considering getting a star. He stated that the Hawks received this exception while trading Dejounte Murray.
“Sources say Atlanta, meanwhile, is actively exploring ways to capitalize on a $25 million trade exception it still possesses as a vestige from last summer’s Dejounte Murray trade to New Orleans,” Fischer said. “Hawks in play for some potential sign-and-trade scenarios once the offseason begins”
“Sources say Atlanta, meanwhile, is actively exploring ways to capitalize on a $25 million trade exception it still possesses as a vestige from last summer's Dejounte Murray trade to New Orleans. Hawks in play for some potential sign-and-trade scenarios once the offseason begins” https://t.co/lGqzvs0Iu4
— Carter Bryant to ATL (@Preet410_) June 21, 2025
Surely, this is good news for the Hawks. Along with Trae Young and Jalen Johnson, a new star will help the team perform better. Since 2023, the Hawks have not been able to qualify for the playoffs. Now, despite having the trade exception, the Atlanta Hawks have some clauses to care about.
Atlanta Hawks Searching For Their Options
The Atlanta Hawks cannot sign a free agent directly with the trade exception. Yet, they can opt for sign-and-trade options like Naz Reid, Jonathan Kuminga, and Julius Randle. And while all the aforementioned athletes will be a significant upscale for the Hawks, they need to choose wisely.
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“Despite changes happening in their front office, the Hawks have not held serious Trae Young trade discussions, sources said. He remains the face of their franchise and is “highly motivated,” as one source said, to put Atlanta back in the Eastern Conference playoff mix as a real… https://t.co/tz53GUarjI pic.twitter.com/cRFBvTwyiq
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) June 20, 2025
That’s because the one they pick must be able to fit in with Young and Johnson. Thus, it is evident that the Hawks have a lot of permutations and combinations to deal with. Now it’s interesting to see what happens next.
Also Read: 2025 NBA Draft: Who Could The Atlanta Hawks Target With Their No. 22 Overall Pick?
