The Hawks sit in a similar position as they have in previous seasons from a record standpoint, but it feels different.
Trae Young has taken on a new role, posting a career-low usage rate while becoming the best playmaker in the league, which has enabled Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and De’Andre Hunter to post career-high usage rates. The Hawks are cultivating a culture that hasn’t existed since their Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021, and that could lead them to being active at the trade deadline.
According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, Landry Fields and Kyle Korver are willing to listen to calls on their veterans, namely Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“But given where the Hawks are, once again in the play-in race, if teams begin calling about their veterans, sources said, Atlanta will listen. The Hawks are flirting with the luxury tax this season, but once Clint Capela‘s expiring $22 million contract comes off the books after this season, there will be a lot more flexibility for Atlanta to play with to fill out its roster — in addition to clearing an unimpeded path for Okongwu into the starting five.”
The combination of Capela in the starting lineup and Onyeka Okongwu off the bench has been excellent for the Hawks, especially when trying to surround Trae Young with as much defense as possible. However, Capela is on an expiring contract, and Larry Nance Jr. is still on the team, so if a deal did come to fruition that the Hawks couldn’t pass on, I’d understand.
“The one player opposing teams are curious about, specifically, is guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who is a proven commodity as a scorer and shooter with a contract that, even within the current constraints, is movable at $17.6 million this year, $16.2 million next year and has a team option for the same amount the following season.
The Hawks should in no way trade Bogi unless it’s a considerable package. He’s far more valuable in Atlanta than another club would be willing to pay for him. I wouldn’t mind just standing pat at this year’s deadline. The Hawks are clearly not in a position to compete with the true contenders, but they’re still building something worth keeping together, even if Capela walks in the offseason.
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Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
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