Travis Schlenk didn’t mince his words earlier this week in his interview with 92.9 The Game. He is fed up with the Hawks team defense, particularly in the fourth quarter, and even admitted that the team will be very active at the trade deadline. What that means exactly is yet to be determined. Many general managers are on the phone nonstop but never end up pulling the trigger. With that being said, I think it’s safe to place a wager on the Hawks making a move before the trade deadline. How big of a move is really the question.
The Hawks have all the pieces needed to acquire just about anyone who could become available. Obviously, trading Trae Young is off the table, so I won’t even include him in this list, but every other Hawk could be moved for the right price.
*I’ll also only be including players that could potentially carry some value in a trade.
11. Delon Wright
Wright probably won’t fetch anything more than a second-round pick, but the Hawks might move him if they are looking to upgrade at the point guard position.
10. Lou Williams
You can copy and paste what I said about Wright right here; however, I gave Williams the edge because of his experience. A competitive team could be interested in his services.
9. Jalen Johnson
I almost didn’t include Johnson on this list, but he could carry some value in a potential trade. I don’t think it would be much, but he does have some upside because of his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability. If I’m the Hawks, I’m holding onto Johnson as a lottery ticket, but it’s also difficult for young guys to develop on this team because of the depth.
8. Danilo Gallinari
Given his cap figure and the way he’s played so far this year, it’s possible nobody is interested in Gallinari, but I still think he carries a bit of value for a team that is in desperate need of scoring off the bench.
7. Bogdan Bogdanovic
Last season, Bogdanovic would have been much higher on this list, but he’s struggled with his shot this year and has had an even harder time staying healthy. Throw in his contract, and there could be a lot of teams unwilling to trade for him. Still, judging by how many teams were interested at last year’s trade deadline, I expect there to be several organizations calling about Bogdanovic’s services over the next month.
6. Kevin Huerter
Might the Hawks be having a little bit of buyer’s remorse after handing Kevin Huerter a four-year, $70 million contract this offseason? Perhaps, but Huerter’s shooting numbers have actually been pretty good, so I think he’s one of the less likely Hawks to be moved at the trade deadline.
5. Cam Reddish
I know this will upset a large portion of Hawks fans, but it shouldn’t. I’ve been a leading member of the Cam Reddish hive since he was drafted, and I still believe he has All-Star potential. With that being said, he has to show it more consistently to generate value. Too often, Reddish is wildly inefficient and careless with the basketball. If he were to go on a cold streak for the next month or so, many would start to consider him a bust, and I couldn’t blame them. I’m not selling low on Reddish; I’m holding my stock, but he’s far from the Hawks most valuable trade chip right now.
4. Clint Capela
Most people undervalue how much Capela brings to the Hawks. He’s a primary reason why the team was able to turn things around last season, thanks to his rebounding and tenacious defense. Capela started off slowly this season, but his numbers are beginning to turn around. I don’t see this Hawks squad having much success without him on the roster. Just imagine how bad their team defense would be.
3. Onyeka Okongwu
Injuries have prevented us from seeing much of Okongwu since he entered the league, but every time he touches the floor, I’m more and more impressed. Defensively, his energy is infectious, and he’s a tremendous shot blocker, but in a couple of years, I think a lot of people will be talking about his offensive game as well. Okongwu is unbelievably athletic, a terror on the offensive glass, and has a surprising amount of ball skills for a player his size. This young man has All-Star potential. The Hawks shouldn’t move him unless it’s a blockbuster deal.
2. De’Andre Hunter
There’s an argument to be made that Hunter should be a couple of spots lower because he simply can’t stay healthy, but there’s no way I’m selling low just yet. Hunter has the ability to be a premier 3-and-D player in this league — someone that locks down the opponent’s best offensive player while putting up 20 points a game. The Hawks desperately need that, but even I have to admit the injuries are officially worrisome.
1. John Collins
#1 should have been a no-brainer. Collins is one of the most under-appreciated players in the league and could garner some All-Star consideration this season. I doubt he will make it, but still, he’s not going anywhere unless an All-Star is coming back in return.
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