A shorthanded Hawks team — without Trae Young, John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and more — on the road was able to take down the Kings by a score of 108-102 Tuesday night.
Kevin Huerter led the Hawks with 25 points, adding 11 rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes. It was vintage Game 7 Huerter, and Atlanta needed every bit of Red Velvet’s effort. The Hawks have struggled to close out games this year, which could be a consequence of their limited personnel (COVID and injuries); however, Travis Schlenk thinks it could be more than that.
On 92.9 The Game this week, Schlenk didn’t mince words about his evaluation and hinted that some significant changes could come at the trade deadline. Now, ripples are being felt from Schlenk’s sentiments.
According to reports from Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Hawks are searching for a one-for-two type of deal with Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish as the most likely candidates to be included in any trade package.
Hurting Hawks
Speaking of teams that are motivated to make a move or two, we present the Atlanta Hawks. This is nothing like the we’ll-talk-about-anything approach of a team like the Kings, nor should it be. Atlanta’s unexpected run to the Eastern Conference finals last season validated the choice of general manager Travis Schlenk to build around Trae Young and John Collins (both of whom signed long-term deals in August).
But there’s a fine line between roster depth and roster dilution, and sources say the Hawks — well aware that their rotations are a bit crowded when fully healthy — are on the lookout for a one-for-two type of deal for an impact player. Veteran forward Danilo Gallinari (just $5 million of his $21.4 million guaranteed on his deal for next season) and third-year small forward Cam Reddish, it seems, are the most likely candidates to be headed out. The urgency is likely on the rise, as this Hawks team that was fifth in the East last season before its playoff run has now fallen to 12th (16-20; 27th in defensive rating)
It is unclear if Schlenk intends to bring in a marlin or just a trout, but there is undoubtedly traction out there for a potential trade. Gallo’s cap figure and lack of production this season make him a somewhat undesirable asset, but the veteran could still provide offense off the bench for a competitive team.
Reddish’s ridiculously high upside makes him an attractive trade chip. However, it looks like he’s still a year or two away from really taking off. The Hawks, whose rotation is already so crowded, don’t exactly have time to wait for him to blossom. They need pieces that can help them win now, which is why moving Reddish before the deadline could very well be in the cards.
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