Could the Atlanta Hawks solve their problem at backup point guard by way of a massive trade that sends Ja Morant to Chicago?
The NBA offseason has just ignited with a seismic three-team trade that has sent shockwaves through the league. In a move that no one saw coming, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is headed to the Chicago Bulls, while the Atlanta Hawks have landed a versatile point guard to bolster their roster. This blockbuster deal, finalized just days before the 2025 NBA Draft, has reshaped the futures of all three franchises involved and set the stage for a dramatic offseason.
The Trade Details
According to league sources, the trade breaks down as follows:
Chicago Bulls receive: Ja Morant (from Memphis Grizzlies)
Atlanta Hawks receive: Coby White (from Chicago Bulls), a 2026 first-round pick (via Memphis, top-10 protected), and a 2027 second-round pick (via Chicago)
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Dejounte Murray (from Atlanta Hawks), Zach LaVine (from Chicago Bulls), and a 2025 first-round pick (No. 13, via Atlanta)
This deal, orchestrated in the wake of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, reflects the strategic pivots of three teams at different crossroads. For the Hawks, this trade aligns with their ongoing retooling efforts around Trae Young, while adding flexibility and youth to their backcourt. Let’s dive into how this trade impacts Atlanta and why it makes sense in the context of their 2025 draft strategy.
Why the Hawks Made the Move
The Atlanta Hawks, coming off a 40-42 season and a Play-In Tournament appearance, have been one of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason. With two first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft (No. 13 via Sacramento and No. 22 via the Los Angeles Lakers), Atlanta was already poised to add young talent to a core featuring Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu. However, trading Dejounte Murray, a former All-Star acquired in 2022, signals a shift in strategy under new general manager Onsi Saleh.
Acquiring Coby White, a 25-year-old point guard who broke out as a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the Bulls last season, gives the Hawks a versatile backcourt partner for Trae Young. White averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in 2024-25, shooting 37.6% from three-point range. His ability to play both on and off the ball complements Young’s heliocentric playstyle, addressing the fit issues that plagued the Young-Murray pairing. White’s youth and contract (two years remaining at $12 million annually) make him a cost-controlled asset as the Hawks navigate the new CBA’s salary restrictions.
The addition of a 2026 first-round pick (top-10 protected from Memphis) and a 2027 second-round pick from Chicago provides Atlanta with future draft capital, crucial for a team that traded away significant assets in the Murray deal three years ago. With Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. set to hit free agency, the Hawks are clearly prioritizing flexibility and youth, positioning themselves to either draft a big man (like Khaman Maluach or Derik Queen) or package assets for another star in the future.
As reported by Sports Illustrated, rival teams have projected the Hawks as targeting big men in the 2025 draft, especially with Capela’s expected departure. Landing White allows Atlanta to maintain backcourt stability while using their No. 22 pick or future assets to address frontcourt needs.
The Bulls’ Big Swing
For the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Ja Morant is a franchise-altering move. After years of mediocrity, Chicago is betting on Morant’s superstar potential to elevate them into Eastern Conference contention. The 25-year-old two-time All-Star, known for his explosive athleticism and clutch playmaking, averaged 25.1 points and 8.1 assists last season despite off-court challenges. Pairing Morant with DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević gives Chicago a high-octane offense, though questions remain about their defensive fit and long-term ceiling.
Trading away Zach LaVine, whose $43 million annual salary has been a sticking point in previous trade talks, and Coby White, a fan favorite, was a steep price. However, the Bulls’ front office clearly views Morant as the cornerstone to build around, especially with DeRozan’s contract nearing its end.
Memphis Resets with Star Power
The Memphis Grizzlies, facing uncertainty about Morant’s future and their competitive window, have opted for a bold reset. Acquiring Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine gives Memphis two All-Star-caliber guards to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr., while the No. 13 pick in the 2025 draft provides a chance to add a high-upside prospect like Maryland’s Derik Queen or Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud. Murray’s defensive versatility and LaVine’s scoring prowess could keep Memphis competitive in the West, but the loss of Morant, their franchise face, marks the end of an era.
Impact on the 2025 NBA Draft
This trade significantly alters the Hawks’ draft strategy. With Coby White now in the fold, Atlanta is less likely to target a guard like Michigan State’s Jase Richardson at No. 13, as projected in some mock drafts. Instead, the Hawks are expected to focus on frontcourt depth, with prospects like Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber, Cedevita Olimpija’s Joan Beringer, or South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles in play at No. 22. The additional draft capital from Memphis and Chicago gives Atlanta the flexibility to either move up for a target like Khaman Maluach or stay put and develop young talent.
As NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported, the Hawks have been exploring ways to move up in the draft, with “strong, strong interest” in Maluach. While this trade reduces the urgency to package picks No. 13 and No. 22, Atlanta could still leverage their newfound assets to climb into the top 10 if Maluach or another elite big man becomes available.
What’s Next for the Hawks?
The Hawks’ offseason is far from over. With Trae Young’s future still a topic of discussion and a front office in transition, Atlanta is at a pivotal moment. Adding Coby White and draft capital signals a commitment to building around Young, but the team must address their frontcourt needs, either through the draft or free agency. The potential departure of Capela and Nance Jr. leaves Onyeka Okongwu as the lone center, making a draft pick like Joan Beringer, with his defensive versatility and rim-protecting upside, an attractive option.
For now, Hawks fans can celebrate a trade that injects youth, versatility, and future assets into a roster with playoff aspirations. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Atlanta’s front office has the tools to make another splash—whether it’s drafting a big man to anchor their defense or swinging for another star to join Young and White.
Final Thoughts
This three-team blockbuster has redefined the NBA landscape, with Ja Morant’s move to Chicago stealing headlines and the Hawks quietly emerging as winners. By landing Coby White and additional draft picks, Atlanta has positioned itself for both short-term competitiveness and long-term flexibility. As the draft looms and free agency heats up, the Hawks are poised to be one of the most active teams in the league, ready to capitalize on their newfound assets and build a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 NBA Draft, set for June 25, draws closer, and the Hawks’ offseason takes shape.