With 28 teams now in offseason mode, only two remain in the hunt for an NBA title as the Finals get underway. For teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz, this offseason presents different challenges and decisions as they chart their respective futures.
The Hawks will be a team to watch closely. While there’s ongoing speculation around a Trae Young trade, it appears unlikely at the moment. Atlanta seems poised to move forward with a core of Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. If that’s the direction they take, improving the bench becomes a top priority. Given the complexities of the NBA’s new CBA and salary cap apron, expect to see more three-team deals designed to facilitate salary movement. Atlanta could get involved in one of these larger trades to strengthen its depth. Their needs include interior defense, more size up front, outside shooting, and a capable backup ball-handler. This free agent class doesn’t offer ideal options for those needs, so trades could be their best path forward. Insider Marc Stein has noted Atlanta could play a key role in trades this summer, thanks to their financial flexibility — particularly depending on the futures of Caris LeVert, Clint Capela, and Larry Nance Jr.
The Mavericks are another team in flux. After stunning the league by trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers, Dallas is in clear win-now mode. However, their plans took a major hit when Kyrie Irving tore his ACL. With Irving likely sidelined all next season, Dallas will have to find ways to stay competitive. They caught a break by landing the No. 1 pick and the rights to Cooper Flagg, but the guard position remains a concern.
As for the Jazz, they finished with the NBA’s worst record but slipped to the No. 5 spot in the lottery, missing out on elite prospects like Flagg or Dylan Harper. The roster still lacks clarity when it comes to long-term building blocks. With veterans like John Collins, Colin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson all on expiring contracts, Utah may look to flip them for future assets as part of their continued rebuild.
That brings us to a proposed trade — purely hypothetical — where each team addresses a need:
- Hawks receive: P.J. Washington
- Jazz receive: Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy, and the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 draft (via Atlanta)
- Mavericks receive: Collin Sexton
Why this works for each team:
Hawks’ perspective:
They part with a first-rounder to land a proven veteran in Washington, who boosts their frontcourt depth and helps cover for Jalen Johnson’s injury history. Washington seems surplus to Dallas’ needs and fits Atlanta’s immediate goals.
Why they might pass:
Washington is on an expiring deal. Atlanta might prefer to keep the pick or target another veteran who fits more long-term.
Jazz’s perspective:
Utah adds a promising young shooter in Hardy, plus a valuable first-rounder. Sexton doesn’t fit their timeline and is unlikely to stay long-term, so this return helps advance their rebuild.
Why they might decline:
The Jazz could believe Sexton will draw stronger offers as the offseason and trade deadline approach.
Mavericks’ perspective:
They address the Irving injury by acquiring a scoring guard who can handle the offense in his absence. Sexton’s contract is team-friendly, and with a defensive core of Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and Cooper Flagg, his defensive limitations can be masked.
Why they might pass:
Dallas could prefer to pursue a more two-way guard who better complements their current and future roster.
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