It’s been a strange NBA offseason. Now into the second week of August, there are still big names and restricted free agents lingering that could change the scope of the league. At the same time, it’s unclear if or when any of those dominoes will fall. So we’re going to hand out some offseason grades, even if there are still some moves left on the table. Let’s start in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks: B-
Put me down as a skeptic of the Dejounte Murray trade. While Murray’s talent may not be in question, his fit next to Trae Young is for me. And three first-round picks makes that move a big swing. Additionally, there’s still a little bit of a logjam in the frontcourt with Clint Capela, John Collins and the emerging Onyeka Okongwu. In the backcourt, the Kevin Huerter trade felt like a premature salary dump, and losing Delon Wright is not insignificant. This offseason will ultimately come down to the success of the Murray-Young pairing. I’m not sure how high they can lift the team.
