Offseason Outlook: Key Decisions Loom for Hawks, Trail Blazers and Suns
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Three franchises that reached the postseason now face pivotal roster choices as the NBA offseason approaches.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta finished 46-36, secured a playoff berth and appears committed to a youthful core featuring Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu. The club also owns the No. 8 pick in this month’s draft, offering another chance to deepen its talent base.
Since parting ways with Trae Young, the Hawks have strengthened defensively, going 27-15 after Jan. 11, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. The front office must now determine how aggressively to build around its emerging roster. Veteran guard CJ McCollum is headed for free agency, and forward Jonathan Kuminga remains an unresolved piece of the puzzle. With salary-cap flexibility and multiple draft assets, Atlanta has options but no easy answers.
Portland Trail Blazers
New owner Tom Dundon signaled that Portland’s rebuild is officially over and that the organization’s emphasis has shifted from development to winning. A youthful nucleus of Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and rookie center Donovan Clingan helped propel the Trail Blazers back to the playoffs this season.
The expected return of Damian Lillard from injury next year adds further optimism, but the team still needs additional shooting and bench depth to advance in a crowded Western Conference.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix, long in search of star power, is now focused on continuity. Powered by Devin Booker, the Suns posted a 45-win campaign while newcomers Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams and Collin Gillespie sparked a stronger defensive identity.
The front office hopes to retain much of that group. Williams will enter restricted free agency, and Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin also require new deals. Maintaining roster stability stands as the franchise’s main priority as it seeks to prove that this year’s progress was not an outlier.
Source: Hoops Wire
