As the NBA trade deadline is coming to a close, many teams are in the hunt to boost their roster.
The Atlanta Hawks are included in that group. Continuing out of last year’s playoff run, the Hawks have had trouble with depth at the point-guard position. The team has other issues with defensive consistency. As we continue into the second half of the season aiming for another deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals, it is time for the Hawks to make a move.
Outside of Trae Young, there is clear trouble creating off the dribble. This became very clear when Young went down with an ankle injury in the Eastern Conference Finals. Delon Wright, acquired this offseason, has yet to prove he can be a consistent backup point guard. Wright’s long frame helps on defense but doesn’t improve the situation on offense. Lou Williams, known for being one of the most productive players as a sixth man, has yet to make a real impact this season.
With the drop-off in productivity when Young goes to the bench, Atlanta must go out and make a move for a ball handler who can create offense if they expect to return as a contender in the East.
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With trade target CJ McCollum being sent to New Orleans, there are now less ball handlers potentially available. Another potential trade for Atlanta is acquiring Celtics’ guard Marcus Smart. Smart is a top perimeter defender in the league, providing instant support for a struggling defense. His ability to create his own shot and distribute to the outside shooters of the Hawks could prove to be crucial for a team making a late push to slide into a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.
The one big question for all these trades is the asking price presented to the Hawks. Many of those teams have made it known that they would expect Hawks forward John Collins in return. Collins just signed a long-term extension this past offseason with hopes to stay in Atlanta for years to come.
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Including the first-round pick acquired from the Cam Reddish trade this season, Atlanta has multiple draft picks they could use to lure a top player before the deadline. The Hawks are seriously considering making a move but are hesitant if it means they would have to break up their young core in Kevin Huerter, De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu. If Boston or Philadelphia reduce their asking price, look for Atlanta to complete a trade to secure an extended push to get into a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.
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