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The Atlanta Hawks had a disappointing season after making it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Atlanta has a star in Trae Young to build around and assets to get the right pieces around him.
The Hawks have the 16th overall pick, which they can use in trades to upgrade their roster. John Collins has emerged as a trade target that many teams would likely be interested in. Atlanta's plethora of young players makes it possible to pull off trades to acquire players that fit better around Young.
Young is a great talent as an elite playmaker and scorer. This season, he averaged 28.4 points and 9.7 assists per game, showing off his unreal offensive skillset. Young also had the most efficient season of his career, shooting a career-high from the field (46 percent), from three (38.2 percent), and from the free-throw line (90.4 percent).
Making some moves for players that fit around Young better is crucial. With that said, here are the two best trades the Hawks can make using the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Hawks 2022 NBA Draft trade scenarios
2. Kings receive: John Collins and the 16th overall pick
Hawks receive: Harrison Barnes and the 4th overall pick
John Collins has been floated around in trade rumors as the Hawks look to reshape their roster. If the Hawks want to get a young player that can grow into a star rather than an established veteran, a package like this could work for them.
Sacramento would be getting Collins, who they are interested in, as well as the 16th overall pick, to remain in the first round. If the Kings are ready to buy into contending, this could be an option for them. Rebounding is a weakness for the roster, and Collins could help them improve in that area. He is also a solid defender and scorer, making a great complement to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
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For Atlanta, they get a top draft pick as well as a solid forward in Harrison Barnes, who is on the last year of his deal. The Hawks would get a potential cornerstone for their franchise in this deal, and it would be highly beneficial.
1. Jazz receive: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and the 16th overall pick
Hawks receive: Rudy Gobert
The Hawks are set to make roster-altering changes as they try to get back on track. Rudy Gobert has been the biggest name linked to Atlanta, as the Utah Jazz may break up their Donovan Mitchell and Gobert duo.
An offer like this would be fair for the Jazz, as they would acquire a player with a similar style center in Clint Capela, as well as a good role player in Bogdan Bogdanovic and a solid draft pick.
While Gobert is on a pricy deal, this trade would free up a roster spot to make another move. Atlanta has a surplus of young guards and wings, making Bogdanovic expendable, especially with his contract.
Gobert would be the anchor of the Hawks' defense while being a lob threat and rebounder on offense. He would pair much better with Young than Mitchell, as Young is one of the game's top playmakers. This season, Gobert averaged 15.6 points and 14.7 rebounds per game while shooting 71.3 percent from the field. He also blocked 2.1 shots per contest.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is the best option available via trade for the Hawks if they are looking for a player to help them win now.
The Hawks have a ton of decisions to make this offseason to build a better roster around Young. These two deals would be solid for the franchise, but more opportunities could arise when free agency begins and sign, and trades become possible.
Atlanta has the assets to get their roster back to being a premier team in the Eastern Conference.
