Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin (14) reacts after making a three-point shot during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at State Farm Arena, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)
Sad News For Hawks As The AJ Griffin Says He Will Never Play With Hawks Again…
If Pascal Siakam becomes available before the trade deadline, the Hawks are anticipated to be among the teams pursuing him, as has been stated often.
All in all, Atlanta is in a difficult position. When it acquired Dejounte Murray from San Antonio in 2022, it made a win-now move. However, it lost to Boston in the first round of the playoffs the previous year, and as the season draws to a close, it finds itself outside of the Eastern Conference Play-In race.
With the acquisition of O.G. Anunoby, Toronto—which now trails Atlanta by a few games in the standings—took the initial move in developing around Scottie Barnes.
Is there a deal that would be advantageous to the Hawks and Raptors alike?
“conversations” concerning Hunter, Griffin, and draft compensation during the off-season surrounding a Siakam move.
Recent reports from Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report indicate that rival executives think the Raptors will be one of the clubs to “begin progressing to more serious discourse” over Murray with the Hawks.
Why raptors agree
Murray, 27, just inked a contract extension that may keep him under contract until the 2027–2028 season; he is two years younger than Siakam, 29. Although he missed out on being selected to the All-Star team a few years ago, he has still produced strong numbers the last two seasons, averaging 20.6 points, 5.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His 3-point shooting has improved, and even if he might not be a consistent candidate for All-Defense any longer, he’s
talks” concerning Hunter, Griffin, and draft compensation that took place throughout the offseason regarding a Siakam trade.
Recently, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report revealed that opposing executives think the Raptors are one of the teams that would “begin progressing to more serious discourse” with the Hawks regarding Murray.
The reasons why raptors accept
Siakam, 29, is two years older than Murray, 27, who recently inked a contract deal that might keep him signed until the 2027–2028 season. Though he was not selected to the All-Star team a few years ago, in the last two seasons he has still averaged 20.6 points, 5.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Although he might not be a consistent All-Defense candidate anymore, he’s developed as a 3-point shooter.
With the departure of Fred VanVleet in free agency, the Raptors were in need of a point guard. There is less of a necessity now that Immanuel Quickley has been obtained. Murray’s 3-point shooting has also improved, but he still performs best when he has the ball in his hands. Providing Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Barnes as many minutes as possible could be more advantageous for Toronto than bringing in a high-usage guard who isn’t on the same schedule.
RJ Barrett’s early returns are being graded as Raptors.
Although every team is interested in Hunter, he hasn’t shown much improvement since being drafted. Griffin had some potential the previous season, but for personal reasons this year he hasn’t played as much.
Could the Hawks possibly sign
After Fred VanVleet left in free agency, the Raptors were looking for a point guard. Now that Immanuel Quickley has been obtained, the necessity has diminished. Murray is also most effective when he has the ball in his hands, even though his 3-point shooting has improved. Rather of bringing in a high-usage guard who isn’t on the same timeframe, Toronto could be better off giving Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Barnes as many minutes as possible.
MORE: Assessing RJ Barrett’s early results as a Raptor
Though he hasn’t developed much since being picked, Hunter is a player that every team wants. Despite his promise from the previous season, Griffin’s play has been limited this year for personal reasons.
Do the Hawks have any intention of signing?
