The NBA commerce deadline is quick approaching and one of the vital attention-grabbing groups that does not get talked about sufficient is the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta is at present 22-23 and on a four-game shedding streak, however they’ve some attention-grabbing items they may doubtlessly make a take care of. Clint Capela and Larry Nance each have expiring contracts and have been talked about in commerce rumors. Bogdan Bogdanovic’s title has additionally appeared in some experiences.
Though the Atlanta Hawks look like a possible risk to win a playoff collection, they at present discover themselves at a crossroads till they study extra about Jalen Johnson’s damage. Johnson injured his left shoulder early in Thursday’s loss to Toronto and the Hawks gave only one replace on him:
“Ahead Jalen Johnson left Thursday evening’s sport in opposition to Toronto after struggling a left shoulder damage in the course of the second quarter. He might be dominated out whereas he undergoes additional medical testing and analysis. His damage and its standing might be up to date as mandatory.”
If Johnson is out for an prolonged time period, it’ll severely hamper Atlanta’s means to win. Will this alteration their plans for commerce deadlines? That is an attention-grabbing query.
Bleacher Report analyst Greg Swartz says the Hawks ought to make cautious additions by the deadline this 12 months:
The Atlanta Hawks ceded management of their 2025, 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs within the Dejounte Murray commerce, which ought to rule out the opportunity of promoting on the deadline. Tanking is out of the query.
This does not essentially imply the Hawks ought to go to the opposite finish of the spectrum and act like reckless consumers.
This can be a middling workforce that ranks sixteenth in offense and protection, so assist from all sides can be price looking for out. However the Hawks want to consider an upcoming extension for Dyson Daniels this offseason. Trae Younger and De’Andre Hunter may also add years to their present contracts this summer season.
Atlanta may flip the expiring contracts of Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. right into a participant who makes practically $40 million this season, with more cash assured in future years. As tempting as it might be, the Hawks should be cautious. They have already got sufficient good younger components, and a few of them will should be paid for sooner moderately than later. »
The Hawks have 4 wants on the commerce deadline. Backup level guard, backup ahead, taking pictures guard and doubtlessly a brand new beginning heart. Backup could be No. 1 on this listing proper now, even when Johnson have been wholesome. The Hawks haven’t got a real backup energy ahead and that might be a precedence this offseason. Going into the season, Atlanta hoped that Kobe Bufkin can be able to tackle the function of backup level guard, however he’s out for the season because of damage. A great state of affairs can be to discover a younger backup level guard getting a very good deal as a substitute of a veteran whose contract is expiring. Atlanta is likely one of the worst taking pictures groups within the NBA and will use extra spacing round Trae Younger. A brand new beginning heart nonetheless stays a little bit of a query mark. Onyeka Okongwu has performed properly these days, however sufficient to be the starter? This can be a place the place I’d solely add one vital participant, however that participant will not be out there for the time being.
The Hawks have a variety of pondering to do over the subsequent week and a half earlier than the deadline. Within the meantime, they will should navigate a tricky a part of their schedule with out Jalen Johnson.
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