The Atlanta Hawks could bypass a rebuild by signing a potential marquee free agent next summer.
The Hawks have a promising young core around All-Star Trae Young. Dyson Daniels brings elite defense and athleticism to their backcourt. Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter bring nearly 40 points of combined scoring to their small forward slot per night while Onyeka Okongwu is viewed as their center for the future. Though, Atlanta does not have another 20-plus point-per-game scorer next to Young (23.9 PPG), but could address that in the offseason.
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle is slated for a player option in 2025-26. Should he forego the $30.93 million option, the Hawks could swoop in and sign him in unrestricted free agency.
Randle brings many things to the floor that Atlanta does not have right now. Though in the midst of a down scoring season at 18.9 PPG, his strong playmaking skills and rebounding could amplify the Hawks’ offensive attack. Prior to this season, the Kentucky product averaged at least 24 points and five assists in three of the prior four campaigns.
The Timberwolves are also reeling this season. They made the 2024 Western Conference Finals. However, they are 32-27 as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Randle has not worked in Minnesota, which could incentivize the franchise to let him walk come season’s end.
If so, the Hawks could cut lower-end salaries from their payroll and bring in the 30-year-old at a bit of a discount based on his play this year. A new environment could see him return to All-Star form, complement Young in the pick-and-roll or on the wing, and bring playoff experience to their nucleus.
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