The NBA trade market is always filled with high-risk, high-reward moves, but sometimes even the boldest deals don’t translate to success—at least not right away. This season, two teams that made headline-grabbing blockbuster trades are finding themselves in a tough spot, currently projected to miss the playoffs despite their aggressive attempts to upgrade their rosters.
We’re talking about the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls—two franchises that made significant moves in recent years to bring in star talent, hoping to shift their teams into win-now mode. Fast forward to today, and both are struggling to stay afloat in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks: Dejounte Murray Trade Not Paying Off
Back in the summer of 2022, the Atlanta Hawks shook the league by acquiring Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for a hefty package of picks and players. The vision was clear: pair Murray with Trae Young to create a dynamic backcourt duo that could lead Atlanta deep into the playoffs.
On paper, the move made sense. Murray was coming off an All-Star season and brought much-needed defense and secondary playmaking to a team that had become overly reliant on Young. But two seasons in, the results have been underwhelming.
This season, the Hawks have hovered near the play-in bubble but currently sit outside the top 10 in the East. Chemistry between Murray and Young has shown flashes, but it hasn’t consistently translated to wins. Injuries, inconsistent defense, and a lack of depth have all contributed to their struggles.
What’s most concerning for Atlanta is that they mortgaged their future for this pairing. With multiple unprotected picks sent to the Spurs, the pressure to win now was immense. Missing the playoffs would not only be a disappointment—it would be a setback with long-term implications.
To add another wrinkle, trade rumors swirled around Murray at the deadline this season, and while he ultimately stayed in Atlanta, the uncertainty around the team’s direction continues to linger.
Chicago Bulls: The Cost of Going All-In
The Chicago Bulls made their big splash even earlier, back in 2021 and 2022, when they acquired Nikola Vučević from the Orlando Magic and later signed DeMar DeRozan in free agency while also trading for Lonzo Ball. The goal? Rebuild the roster around Zach LaVine with veterans who could help push Chicago into contention.
Initially, it looked like it might work. The Bulls had a strong first half in the 2021–22 season and climbed to the top of the East for a stretch. But since then, the wheels have come off. Lonzo Ball’s ongoing knee issues have kept him sidelined for two straight seasons, and without his playmaking and defense, the Bulls have looked disjointed.
This season, despite solid individual performances from DeRozan and Vučević, the Bulls have struggled to find consistency. They’re currently projected to miss the playoffs, sitting just outside the play-in picture or barely hanging on to a low seed, depending on the night. Injuries, a stagnant offense, and locker room questions have plagued the team, leading to growing calls for a rebuild.
What makes the situation more difficult for Chicago is the cost of standing pat. Their roster is aging, and their core doesn’t appear capable of making a serious playoff run. Yet, they’ve resisted the idea of blowing things up. The Vučević trade, in hindsight, is looking like a major overpay, especially with Orlando benefiting from the draft picks and now surging behind a younger, more dynamic roster.
Final Thoughts
Blockbuster trades are supposed to be franchise-changing moves—but only if they pan out. For both Atlanta and Chicago, the gamble hasn’t paid off—at least not yet. With the playoffs slipping further away, both teams face tough decisions ahead. Do they double down on their current cores? Or admit the experiment failed and pivot toward a new direction?
One thing is certain: missing the playoffs after going all-in is one of the most painful positions an NBA team can be in.
