Every team in the NBA needs to balance their priorities. It’s not always as simple as building the best roster you can. A team also has to balance their salary sheet.
Moving a big contract can sometimes be beneficial – even if it worsens your team. Look at the Atlanta Hawks. This team has a bit of a salary crunch on their hands.
Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are both on substantial contracts. Meanwhile, there are other expensive players throughout this roster.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers should prioritize winning. With an aging LeBron James on the roster, they’ve got a title window – but it’s narrow.
Could they absorb Bogdan Bogdanovic’s contract on behalf of the Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jaxson Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers receive: G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic
On the other hand, every team has the same priority – building an NBA champion. Some teams just have a different route towards achieving that goal than others.
Some teams are built to win now, and some teams are built to win later. Sometimes, a team’s priorities are obvious. Teams like the Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets are built to win now.
Teams like the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs don’t expect to contend for the next half-decade. What about the Hawks?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That’s a slightly more ambiguous case. Nobody is picking the Hawks to win the title this year. Still, with Young and Murray in their primes, the Hawks would like to win as many games as possible.
Does this deal help them accomplish that goal?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. From a roster construction perspective, this is a lateral move for Atlanta. They need Hachimura about as much as they need Bogdanovic.
Sure, the Hawks have some wing depth. Jalen Johnson is having a breakout season, and De’Andre Hunter is a capable starter. Even Saddiq Bey has been solid.
On the other hand, this group is built around their backcourt. Bogdanovic is having a strong season, but he’s more of a luxury than a necessity.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
From a win-now perspective, we could justify this deal by saying that the Hawks need Hachimura’s defense more than they need Bogdanovic’s offense. Yet, the main purpose for the Hawks here is to flip Bogdanovic’s deal for a shorter-term one in Hachimura’s.
Why are the Lakers doing this deal?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
By contrast, the Lakers could use an injection of offense in their backcourt. Austin Reaves has been solid, but he’s not emerging as the All-Star some expected.
Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell is more of a playmaker than a shot-creator. Bogdanovic gives you a bit of both. He’s also a knockdown three-point shooter.
His offensive fit on this roster is obvious. Bogdanovic’s floor spacing should create a potent dynamic alongside James’ playmaking. It’s something the Lakers need more than they need Hachimura’s defense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Taurean Prince is solid on that end, and Anthony Davis cleans up any mistakes they might make. This is a win-now upgrade for the Lakers – that ought to be their only priority.
