Insider expects Hawks to move star guard before next season

Dejounte Murray and Trae Young have both been floated in trade rumors this season. The Atlanta Hawks are rumored to be weighing their options. 

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Atlanta's front office is likely to move on from one of the two ball-handlers during the upcoming offseason. 

"Atlanta is must-watch entering the final few days of the regular season because of Trae Young's status," Stein reported. "The Hawks announced Monday that Young has been cleared for practice and contact after undergoing finger surgery on his left hand in late February...The most likely scenario, according to one league source, continues to be that Atlanta trades one of its two star guards before next season."

The Los Angeles Lakers have been floated as a potential landing spot for both guards. They were reportedly interested in Murray ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Young has been a name floated around as a potential Lakers target ahead of the summer. 

Atlanta's front office will have a tough decision on their hands. 

Young has been the Hawks' franchise cornerstone since they drafted him in 2018. However, they've been unable to build a contending roster around him. Part of the reason has been due to his limited defensive upside. That's where Murray's addition was supposed to help. 

Trading Young would undoubtedly land the Hawks multiple assets in return. On the other hand, Murray would bring less back in a deal but keep Young with the franchise. The bigger question will be who the front office feels more comfortable building around long-term and what they would be willing to take back in a potential trade. 

The Hawks have a tough decision to make. Regardless of their choice, interested parties will be waiting in the wings. They will likely want to recoup some of the draft capital they parted with when they originally acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. Nevertheless, their choice will directly impact the direction of the franchise. Considering their current trajectory doesn't have them on course to win a championship, it makes sense they're looking at making a significant move during the offseason.