The Atlanta Hawks may actually use a backup level guard. Dropping Kobe Bufkin to a season-ending shoulder harm not solely weakened their depth, but additionally created a a lot heavier workload for Trae Younger to deal with.
Happily, there are just a few choices for assist on this space. Certainly one of them is San Antonio Spurs level guard Tre Jones. In 2024-25, Jones is averaging 3.6 factors on simply 45.5/22.2/77.8 taking pictures, however he is additionally averaging 3.9 assists to 0.7 turnovers per sport. He’s a strong passer who can string collectively a second unit. As a consequence of his offensive struggles, the asking value for his providers will not be notably excessive both.
It is doable for Atlanta and San Antonio to do a 1-for-1 commerce of Jones and Larry Nance Jr, who’s redundant on a Hawks staff that has loads of backup facilities. Nevertheless, San Antonio is thought to be searching for a disgruntled star to pair with Victor Wembenyama. What in the event that they resolve to have Zion Williamson?
It is price noting that Wililamson might be extra out there for commerce than at another level in his injury-plagued profession. He was simply suspended for one sport as a consequence of a number of late arrivals to staff occasions and the proficient Pelicans ahead has solely performed in seven video games all yr. Add in the truth that New Orleans has one of many worst data within the Western Convention and it appears clear that the staff would do effectively to show the web page on the Williamson period.
If the Spurs determined to drag the set off on a Williamson commerce, what would a three-team deal appear like if Atlanta was included? Here’s a doable framework for the settlement.
It must be famous that that is only a speculative and enjoyable train to see what sort of strikes will be made, and never what I believe the Hawks ought to or will make. That is all.
Atlanta Hawks get: Tre Jones, Antonio Reeves, 2028 2nd spherical decide (by way of Minnesota, from San Antonio Spurs)
San Antonio Spurs get: Zion Williamson, Jordan Hawkins, Cody Zeller, David Roddy, 2026 2nd spherical decide (by way of Memphis, from Atlanta, protected 31-42)
New Orleans Pelicans get: Zach Collins, Charles Bassey, Keldon Johnson, 2025 1st spherical decide (by way of Atlanta, from San Antonio Spurs), 2025 2nd spherical decide (by way of Chicago, from San Antonio Spurs), 2026 2nd spherical (by way of NOP/Portland), 2027 1st spherical decide (by way of San Antonio Spurs)
Why the Hawks would make this commerce: Jones is a fairly strong playmaker with a wage that expires after this yr. In the event that they need to maintain him, he in all probability will not be a significant impediment to constructing their roster. For this season, he retains Vit Krejci and Keaton Wallace from taking over a workload they won’t be fitted to. Though he would not mild up the scoreboard, the Hawks are lacking numerous playmakers exterior of Younger and Johnson. It is a low threat alternative so as to add one other one. Moreover, San Antonio possible would not ask for an actual asset in alternate for Jones’ wage to facilitate the Zion commerce. Antonio Reeves has performed sparingly, however just lately had a 34-point outburst towards the Cavs. He’s impressed with the G League competitors and will turn out to be a great rotation guard for the Hawks.
Why the Hawks would not make this commerce: Jones is not a lot of a complementary scorer and struggles to hold the offense from a scoring standpoint within the absence of one other creator. He is additionally a poor three-point shooter, which does not bode effectively for a Hawks staff that is already struggling from depth. The Hawks want one other guard, however Jones might not be the acquisition that elevates them. Reeves has struggled to ascertain himself past the G League and can’t be counted on to make a constant impression.
Why the Spurs would make this commerce: Zion’s protection turns into considerably much less of an issue when supported by somebody like Wemby. The sheer dimension of a Wemby-Zion frontcourt can be imposing for many groups to deal with and he would be capable to play off Chris Paul’s unbelievable move. At his greatest, Zion is an All-Star stage scorer who can simply attain 20+ factors per sport with seven rebounds and 4-5 assists. San Antonio has some picks in retailer and wishes so as to add one other star expertise sooner somewhat than later. From a expertise standpoint, there is no such thing as a higher mixture of youth and talent than Williamson is theoretically out there to amass. Zeller and Roddy are simply depth items whereas Hawkins had an awesome season for the Pelicans. He confirmed indicators of a dependable mid-range shot, elevated his scoring quantity and have become a greater decision-maker on the courtroom. Whereas his deep taking pictures hasn’t been superb, he has proven actual progress and will turn out to be a key a part of the rotation for San Antonio.
Why the Spurs would not make this commerce: Zion’s lack of ability to remain wholesome and on the sphere could be very regarding. He has additionally confronted weight points and off-field distractions a number of instances throughout his profession. He additionally signed a most contract by the 2027-28 season. The Spurs have loads of wage room to maneuver, however that quantity will solely get smaller and smaller within the coming seasons. Add in the truth that it might take a number of frivolously protected picks to persuade New Orleans to commerce their franchise participant and it will likely be a big threat to herald Zion. Regardless of all his enhancements, Hawkins continues to be relegated to bench scorer and neither Roddy nor Zeller have been spectacular for Atlanta. Zeller did not even play a single sport with the Hawks.
Why the Pelicans would make this commerce: The 2 first-round picks are the largest drawcard on this deal, however it should not be ignored that including Keldon Johnson is a fairly strong transfer that provides the Pelicans a tradeable wage and a great sixth man as they head in the direction of one other reconstruction. Offsetting Zion’s large wage additionally opens up tons of future flexibility for the Pelicans as they appear to reorganize round a trio of Yves Missi, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones. Charles Bassey is a strong defensive middle and Collins is an efficient shooter for a middle who may play with Missi.
Why the Pelicans would not make this commerce: Johnson, Collins, and Bassey are a fairly poor return for Williamson, as none of them are top-tier younger prospects. Collins has actually struggled this yr and looks like a foul contract at this level in his profession. Bassey’s protection could be very intriguing, however it stays to be seen whether or not he and Missi can play collectively.
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