NBA insider suggests Hawks trying to work complex deal to possibly land Brandon Ingram

The NBA Trade Deadline is just a couple of days away, and the Hawks are expected to make some moves, parting ways with some key pieces but also adding some talent, perhaps even a former All-Star.

“Atlanta has obviously not yet traded Bogdan Bogdanović but the expectation persists that the Hawks will still be moving the 32-year-old sharpshooter before Thursday’s deadline,” The Stein Line reports.

“One source briefed on the process told The Stein Line that the delay stems from the Hawks exploring more ambitious trade constructions — possibly even involving Ingram.”

This comes after Brian Windhorst was the first NBA insider to connect the Atlanta Hawks to the Pelicans star.

The Hawks would have shed considerable salary to even swing a trade for Brandon Ingram. Bogdan Bogdanović would be a start, who seems to already have both feet out the door. He’s been a healthy scratch for over a week, as Landry Fields attempts to find him a new home. However, Bogdanović’s salary alone would not be enough. The Hawks would also have to trade Clint Capela, who has been the subject of numerous trade rumors as well.

That seems to be what’s cooking in Atlanta. The Hawks ideally ship out Bogdanović and Capela while adding Ingram, who could potentially take the load off Trae Young’s shoulders. Atlanta’s offense is desperate for another scoring threat now that Jalen Johnson is out for the season with a torn labrum.

Brandon Ingram comes with his fair share of warts. Primarily, he can’t stay healthy. He’s played in just 18 games this season and has never played more than 64 games in his nine-year NBA career.

However, it makes some sense as a trial run. Ingram is on an expiring contract, and it might be worth a swing to see what he can give the Hawks down the stretch. Atlanta can then re-evaluate their options in the offseason.

The key here is tanking is not an option for the Hawks. They don’t own their first-round pick because of the Dejounte Murray trade a few years back, leaving Landry Fields and Kyle Korver navigating the difficult path of trying to stay competitive this season while also focusing on the future.

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