The Atlanta Hawks franchise surprised most NBA fans last season by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals via convincing victories over the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. Moving onto this year, the target was already on the back of the Hawks.
The composition of their roster has been decimated for majority of the season, but it cannot be an excuse because all have encountered a slew of issues as well. Trae Young has continually been leading the charge for Atlanta, but his supporting cast has been inconsistent.
Moreover, their defense cannot compete at all with some of the best in the Eastern Conference, thus it would seem advisable to try and negotiate deals that would bolster their defense. Two of their moving pieces that would have solid value are Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a young team that has improved from their disappointing performances the past seasons, but there are still stretches wherein they fail to sustain their victories. Their key pieces have all missed time already, and their depth could still be enhanced as the trade deadline approaches. Being able to acquire Gallinari and Reddish gives them the scoring boost off the bench.
The big 3 of Karl Anthony-Towns, Anthony Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell have been magnificent this year, but the shooting of Malik Beasley or Jaylen Nowell could be improved by adding Gallinari and Reddish. These two additions opens up the floor more for Edwards and Towns because there are instances wherein the paint gets clogged. Moreover, the style of head coach Chris Finch is to maximize the talent of his players at the offensive end. Gallinari also provides veteran experience on a team that is surrounded by young studs.
Portland Trail Blazers
This is one organization that has vastly been underwhelming this season, and it seems they would welcome any sort of change in their lineup. Their mid-tier players in Larry Nance Jr. and Robert Covington could be dealt with a movable contract that would fit in a plethora of other squads. Gallinari would be difficult to mesh with a team like Portland already, but Reddish will be an incredible young piece that may fill in their glaring role at the wing position.
Reddish still has enormous upside, highlighted by his recent stretch in Atlanta wherein he would lead the team in scoring due to a depleted roster. Additionally, he will have more minutes and opportunities in Portland because it seems like they are heading toward the rebuilding direction. Nassir Little is their only wing that is not undersized and could play on both ends. Reddish is more of an offensive threat than Little, making him a better fit alongside Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are one team that was flourishing in the first 20 games of the season but have since regressed to the middle of the pack. Rui Hachimura still has not played a single game, while Bradley Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie are still hoping to find a consistent rhythm with their shooting. Davis Bertans and Thomas Bryant are some of their movable contracts that could be given to Atlanta, but it would be insurmountable to convince the Hawks to pull the trigger on this deal.
The Wizards could love the value that Reddish brings as they may wish to include Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the deal. The fit of Gallinari and Reddish is perfect for Washington, but the challenge is including the movable pieces that would be utilized well in Atlanta. The Hawks are sputtering as well, so they could be desperate to shake up their roster as well. Overall, both franchises have the flexibility to search and surround their stars with tremendous individuals.
Gallinari and Reddish are two additions that would be welcomed by squads that are in dire need of offensive production. However, there are certain hurdles like the enormous contract of Gallinari even as he is just a one-dimensional player, while the expected return for Reddish continues to increase every game. Changes looks like it would be brewing in Atlanta soon, but the front office are having a tough time constructing a deal involving Gallinari and Reddish.
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