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The Atlanta Hawks were arguably one of the biggest overachievers of the 2020-21 season. Well, many had high expectations for Atlanta and had them penciled in for a postseason berth. However, nobody saw them reaching the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Hawks ideally aim to take the next by going to the championship round. However, on paper, juggernauts such as the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, who eliminated them in six games last year, and the Brooklyn Nets stand above them in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
There's no doubting Trae Young established himself as a superstar in the NBA in his first-ever playoff run. The Hawks have also done a great job surrounding him with a deep supporting cast consisting of young studs and steady veterans who should make them a force for many years to come. However, it seems Atlanta still needs a piece or two to truly be considered a legitimate contender in the East.
Stars unsatisfied with their current situations emerge every year. The Hawks should keep an eye on these unhappy players and pounce when they become available on the trade market. With that, here are two disgruntled stars the Atlanta Hawks should trade for.
1. Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards have been long rumored for a split eventually, especially after the Wizards dealt Russell Westbrook this offseason. However, the three-time All-Star made it clear he still wants to stick it out with Washington this upcoming season. Nonetheless, it's definitely possible things could go sour quickly with the Wizards if they struggle to start the 2021-22 campaign. Another losing season could put Beal over the edge and finally want out of his situation.
If the Wizards come to the point where they need to trade their star shooting guard, the Hawks should immediately pounce on trying to acquire him. Atlanta features some promising young studs in De'Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, and Onyeka Okongwu who could entice the Wizards to a potential deal. In addition, the Hawks also have their draft cupboard pretty intact. With that, Atlanta has the pieces to involve itself in a blockbuster deal for the 28-year-old.
Beal and Trae Young would make one of the best backcourt tandems across the NBA. The Hawks could also get away without having to include John Collins, who is off a freshly signed five-year, $125 million deal. This would be huge as he, along with Beal and Young, would make for a scary Big Three capable of competing with some of the best in the East.
2. Ben Simmons
Unlike Beal, Ben Simmons is a certified unhappy camper in Philadelphia. The 25-year-old has reportedly made it known he wants to leave the Philadelphia 76ers and won't report to training camp if the Sixers don't deal him before the start of the season.
Simmons also reportedly claimed he's interested in heading out to the West Coast to play in California. Still, these reports should not discourage the Hawks from trying their hand at landing the 2016 No. 1 overall pick. Atlanta also contributed to driving Simmons' trade value down thanks to his dismal showing in the playoffs. This could end up being beneficial for the Hawks since they might not have to give up quite as much to get him, even though the Sixers are currently driving a hard bargain.
Adding a defensive stud and one of the most dynamic open-court finishers in the league in Simmons could raise the Atlanta's ceiling. The Aussie-born stud probably wouldn't be tasked with as much of the ball-handling duties playing next to Trae Young. Nonetheless, he could thrive in a different role as a secondary playmaker and the defensive anchor for this Hawks squad.
Hawks president Travis Schlenk served as an assistant executive with the Golden State Warriors. Based on how he has built Atlanta's roster so far, it seems like he's taking a page out of the Dubs' blueprint. With that, Simmons could end up becoming the more athletic version of Draymond Green for the Hawks while playing alongside Young and their other shooters.
Obviously, bringing in Simmons comes with a lot of concerns, especially with regards to his offense and shooting. Nonetheless, perhaps a change in scenery and a more defined and well-fitting role, potentially with the Hawks, could be what the 6-foot-10 dynamo needs to play to his full potential.
