The Atlanta Hawks have not experienced the season they hoped for after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals the previous season. The Hawks are now 24-26, and there are certainly areas where they can improve before the trade deadline this year.
The Hawks will have to make some interesting moves in the next two weeks if they want to return to the Eastern Conference Final, so let's take a look at some moves that might help the Atlanta Hawks at the deadline this year.
While all of these deals may be difficult, some contending teams will overspend and will have to give back a large package owing to the players' salaries. Not all of these trades are likely, but contending teams will do everything possible to improve, which could lead to some unusual deals, as we have seen in the past.
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Best Trades The Hawks Must Make Before NBA Trade Deadline
Golden State Gets: John Collins
Atlanta Hawks get: James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney
Although the Golden State Warriors have made it appear that trading any of these three players is unlikely, they may consider it because they are in a must-win scenario. James Wiseman has the potential to be a very good player in this league one day, and the Hawks might benefit from that not just now, but in the future with Trae Young.
When considering whether Golden State would make this move, it makes sense because they would be getting a player who is better than all three players they are getting rid of. Golden State would get someone who can make an immediate impact for a team that needs to win a championship in the next few seasons due to the fact that some of their stars are nearing the older parts of their careers.
The Hawks are said to be trying to trade John Collins, and while they won't be obtaining guys who can make an instant impact for them, it's something they should consider.
Celtics get: Gorgui Dieng, Delon Wright
Hawks get: Marcus Smart
This is an intriguing situation, and although the Hawks may not want to trade either of these players, the fact is that they may not get any minutes come playoff time. Marcus Smart would be precisely what the Atlanta Hawks need in a guard who can defend at a high level. The Hawks' main problem right now is that they have below-average guard defense because of Trae Young. It's not a big concern since Trae Young is one of the best point guards in the NBA, and despite being a below-average defender, he'll make up for it on the offensive end.
If the Hawks want to duplicate their success from last season, they may have to face the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks once again. When the Nets come to town with James Harden and Kyrie Irving, they'll need someone who can at least try to slow them down. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton had an exceptional series against the Hawks in their Eastern Conference Finals showdown, showing their lack of guard depth.
Marcus Smart is said to be on his way out of Boston, and the deal to the Atlanta Hawks isn't the best ever, but it's something they might consider.
Thunder get Jalen Johnson, 2022 first-round pick
Hawks get: Kenrich Williams
Many speculations have circulated that the Atlanta Hawks are interested in trading for Kenrich Williams, and it is something they should seriously consider. According to various reports, the Thunder are just seeking a first-round pick in exchange for him, but if they want more, the Hawks may opt to trade Johnson. Atlanta will make the necessary moves to try to get their team to be as good as possible for the playoffs, despite the fact that Jalen Johnson is still young in his career, he doesn't necessarily fit any role for this Hawks team at the moment.
Kenrich Williams isn't going to wow anyone, but he can play high-level defense, which is what the Hawks will be searching for at the trade deadline.
Sixers get: John Collins, Danilo Gallinari, 2022 first-round pick
Hawks get: Ben Simmons, Furkan Korkmaz
This is the most intriguing option, though it appears improbable given the Sixers' desire to get a top-25 talent back for Ben Simmons. Although John Collins is not a top 25 player, depending on the game he provides, he could be considered a top 30 to 35 player. He's one of those guys that may possibly play much better after he leaves Atlanta since he's not getting enough attention on the offensive side of the ball, which has pushed him to be aggravated with his situation there.
The Hawks would receive Ben Simmons, and while he isn't the greatest player ever, he is arguably the best defender in the league, something Atlanta should be interested in.
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