With the new year now finally upon us, speculation ahead of the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline is in full swing. Whether Atlanta Hawks fans are in consensus about what the team ought to do before the Feb. 6, 2020 cut off or not, anticipation mounts across all fanbases that there will be fireworks.
In this post, just one of a series of 30, we’ll break down the reports that have started to trickle out about Hawks players that may or may not be on the move. While there’s no guarantee when it comes to a league as wild as the modern NBA, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on each squad’s roster as the deadline draws near.
Players Unlikely To Be Traded
- De’Andre Hunter
- Trae Young
- Cam Reddish
- John Collins
- Kevin Huerter
Barring an unforeseen trade for a star player, the Hawks are unlikely to make significant changes to their up-and-coming core. Injuries and suspension have prevented the front office from assessing the group. Trae Young is sidelined with an ankle injury. John Collins served a 25-game suspension earlier this season and Kevin Huerter was on a minutes restriction until recently. The trio has only been at full strength for one whole game together, which isn’t anywhere near the desired sample size to evaluate their fit.
This, however, doesn’t mean we won’t see trades in Atlanta. Young was visibly frustrated earlier in the season and according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the point guard was told by a high-ranking team official that help was on the way in the form of upgraded talent on the roster. The team appears to be sniffing around for a veteran big man and, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, have discussed trading for Steven Adams and Dewayne Dedmon.
Biggest Name Available On Market
- Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker filled in admirably for Collins earlier this season, particularly on the offensive end, and it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll opt-out of his contract this offseason in order to try and secure a contract with a more lucrative salary than his current $6.5M figure. While there has been no word on whether the Hawks will shop the former No. 2 overall pick, it might make sense for the team to parse the market for him, considering their other offseason financial priorities like signing Collins to an extension.
Parker won’t turn 25 until later this season, so he certainly still fits within this team’s young timeline. However, if another team covets the scorer, it would be surprising if Atlanta doesn’t at least listen to offers. Parker is averaging 15.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season.
Logical Trade Pieces
- Chandler Parsons
- Evan Turner
- Allen Crabbe
Each of Chandler Parsons, Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe is on a massive expiring deal and if the team is going to bring in a veteran center like Adams or make other big moves, sending out one of the three (along with an asset) appears to be the most feasible scenario. Parsons ($25.1M) has seen action in just five contests. Turner ($18.6M), who was acquired to be the back-up point guard to Young, sports a career-low 7.5 player efficiency rating and Crabbe hasn’t been much better at 8.3. All three could be buy-out candidates if no trades occur.
Trades Are Possible
- Alex Len
- DeAndre’ Bembry
- Damian Jones
- Vince Carter
- Bruno Fernando
The noise about Atlanta looking for a veteran big despite 26-year-old Alex Len on the roster is telling. Len, who is on an expiring $4.2M contract, doesn’t appear to be in the team’s long-term plans. 🏀 DeAndre Bembry is the only remaining player from Mike Budenholzer’s stint in the Hawks’ front office. He didn’t come to terms with the team on a rookie-scale extension this fall and he’ll be a restricted free agent this offseason assuming Atlanta or a team trading for him presents him with a qualifying offer. 🏀 Damian Jones arrived in Atlanta this offseason via a trade with the Golden State Warriors and has seen action in 31 contests and sports a 16.7 player efficiency rating. 🏀 Bruno Fernando, who was selected in the second round of the 2019 Draft, has seen steady minutes lately, though his time on the court fluctuated earlier this season. 🏀 Don’t expect the team to move Vince Carter unless the 22-year veteran asks for it.
