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The Five Worst Trades in Atlanta Hawks History

By Tyler Sellers

Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) is guarded against Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) near the Atlanta Hawks logo in the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 89-72. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) is guarded against Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) near the Atlanta Hawks logo in the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 89-72. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Hawks trade Lou Hudson

Lakers trade Ollie Johnson

On September 30th, 1977, the Los Angeles Lakers traded forward Ollie Johnson to the Atlanta Hawks for forward-guard Lou Hudson.

Lou Hudson is one of the greatest Hawks of all time. He was drafted with the fourth pick in the 1966 NBA draft by the St. Louis Hawks. He made the move with St. Louis when they relocated to Atlanta. “Sweet Lou” was known for silky smooth jumper and his ability to score. He was a six-time all-star and he has had his jersey retired by the Hawks.

Hudson averaged 22.0 PPG and 4.9 RPG in 11 seasons with the Hawks, and ranks 3rd all-time in scoring in franchise history.

The reason for the trade was due to the Hawks’ effort to rebuild the team around young players. They hadn’t made the playoffs in four seasons, in which Hudson was 32 and didn’t fit into the Hawks’ plans.

Ollie Johnson was a journeyman forward. This was the second trade that involved Johnson in the 1977 offseason. In the previous season, Johnson averaged a pedestrian 6.6 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 1.3 APG with the Kansas City Kings.

After the trade, Hudson averaged 11.8 PPG and 2.0 RPG in two seasons with Los Angeles. His role and playing time on the Lakers was greatly diminished, but he was a solid contributor on some average Laker franchises. In his two seasons, the Lakers were eliminated once in the first round and once in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

Ollie Johnson played one season with Atlanta (8.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG and 1.5 APG) before being waived.

Next: No. 2

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