In a recent article by The Athletic’s, Chris Kirshner, he primes some trade deadline scenarios for the Hawks, mostly talking about players they could move in return for future assets – like Jabari Parker and De’Andre Bembry. However, he did throw in one little nugget he received from Shams Charania, stating that Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams has been a player the Hawks have discussed acquiring to help their young core.
Atlanta and the Aquaman look alike are a natural fit. If there’s one thing the Hawks are missing more than anything, it’s a presence at center that can grab rebounds and protect the rim. Few players are better in the league at that than Steven Adams.
The biggest hurdle in a potential deal will obviously be what Oklahoma City is looking for in return. Considering Adams is scheduled to make $27 million next year, the Thunder should just be attempting to shed his salary. For the money to work, the Hawks would have to send the likes of Chandler Parsons, Allen Crabbe, or Evan Turner to Oklahoma City, which doesn’t sound too tempting. However, taking on an expiring contract so that they can get out from under the $27 million balloon that is Steven Adams’ contract next year should be their primary goal. If the Thunder are looking for anything more, like a first-round pick, I doubt the Hawks are seriously interested.
This is a situation worth monitoring, as Atlanta is clearly trying to make some moves before the trade deadline. With that said, they are only going to pull the trigger on a deal like this if it makes sense for their future. I’d still lean towards the Hawks being sellers rather than buyers as we inch closer to February.