The NBA trade deadline is less than a month away. Rumors are swirling. By all accounts, it’s going to be a buyer’s market. Sellers will be few and far between.
Still, we’ve seen some teams identified as potential sellers. There are a few mediocre teams who might want to move some of their better players in exchange for assets. In all likelihood, the Atlanta Hawks will be one of those teams.
We’re assuming Trae Young is off the table. So is breakout star Jalen Johnson. Otherwise, the Hawks might move anyone. Here are three deals we think could help them blow up their current core.
Trade No. 1 – Hawks Send Clint Capela To Mavericks
Atlanta Hawks receive: C RIchuan Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks receive: C Clint Capela
Out of every current Hawk, Capela seems like the most probable player to be on the move. He’s been blocking Onyeka Onkongwu’s path to starting minutes for years now. The much younger Onkongwu is having a strong season. It’s time for the Hawks to give him the keys.
With that said, Capela can still play. He remains a useful rim protector who can finish pick-and-rolls. He ought to develop instant chemistry with Luka Doncic. All told, Capela would be a sensible addition to this roster.
With that said, the Mavericks could pass. They’re light on draft capital as it is. Dallas doesn’t have enough second-round picks to build an offer for Capela, and they may balk at even offering a lottery-protected first for him. That’s fine – the Hawks have plenty of interesting players to move.
Trade No. 2 – Hawks Send De’Andre Hunter To Thunder
Atlanta Hawks receive: F Davis Bertans, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 14 Protected – MIA via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: F De’Andre Hunter
The Hawks are having a mediocre season. This team’s rebuilding process hasn’t gone as they’d hoped since landing Trae Young. They must be jealous of the Thunder. This team’s rebuild couldn’t be going better.
The Thunder’s rebuild is over. This team is ready to compete for the NBA title. Still, they could use a big 3-and-D wing that can guard multiple positions. Hunter fits the bill – he’s worth this price to the Thunder.
At least, that’s our opinion. Thunder general manager Sam Presti has indicated that the Thunder will be patient before surrendering assets. If they’re not willing to play ball, is there a bigger name that the Hawks could look to move?
Trade No. 3 – Hawks Send Dejounte Murray To Spurs
Atlanta Hawks receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, F Doug McDermott, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs receive: G Dejounte Murray
Recently, this rumor has gotten hot. It’s certainly intriguing. It was only a year ago that the Spurs sent Murray to the Hawks. Could they really take him back?
Sure. After all, the Spurs likely traded Murray to tank for Victor Wembanyama. It worked. Wembanyama is now a Spur. Meanwhile, the team needs a point guard. Murray is young enough to grow with this core and good enough to help them improve now.
Meanwhile, the Hawks could use a forward like Johnson. Adding McDermott’s elite shooting next to Young would be intriguing as well. Still, for Atlanta, the most important part of this deal is regaining control of their 2025 draft. If all goes well, they might be looking to trade that pick when the next deadline is approaching.
