According to a report from The Vertical, the Atlanta Hawks have made their first trade of the season. Is this a sign of things to come?
According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, the Atlanta Hawks have traded veteran sharpshooter Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Vertical Sources with @ShamsCharania: Atlanta is finalizing a deal to send guard Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2017
A third team is also involved.
Sources: Atlanta and Cleveland are finalizing terms on Korver deal, with Mike Dunleavy Jr., likely moving onto a third team through Atlanta.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 6, 2017
Brian Windhorst of ESPN is reporting that the Cavs are sending a first round pick in the deal.
Kyle Korver likely going to be a Cav but sides are still finalizing aspects of the deal. Cavs, as of now, to send 1st rounder, sources say
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 6, 2017
Korver became a fan favorite during his time with the Hawks. He even made the Eastern Conference All-Star team during the magical 2014-2015 season. In five seasons with the Hawks, Korver averaged 10.9 points per game on 48.4 percent shooting from three-point range.
Korver was relegated to a bench role a few weeks ago. This season he’s averaging 9.5 points per game on 44.1 percent shooting and 40.9 percent from three-point range. Since moving to the bench, Korver had been playing well. In 11 games off the bench, he’s shooting 43.3 percent from outside.
Korver should slot into Cleveland’s rotation seamlessly, replacing the injured J.R. Smith.. This move gives Korver a chance to win a championship as his career nears the end. Imagine LeBron James getting into the lane and whipping passes to a wide open Korver in the corner. It will be both beautiful and depressing.
I have to think this is the first domino to fall in what will be several trades made by the Hawks. Matt Moore of CBS Sports said it best.
It wouldn’t make sense to trade Korver to a team that you believe you’ll be competing with come playoff time. I’d be very surprised if Thabo Sefolosha and Paul Millsap were not moved in the coming weeks. Sometimes it’s best to rebuild. It may be difficult, but it’s the right move for the organization.
UPDATE:
It looks like all parts of the deal have been revealed.
Cavs will be sending 2019 protected 1st to Atlanta and Mike Dunleavy in deal. sources said.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) January 6, 2017
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Hawks will receive a 2019 protected first round pick and Mike Dunleavy Jr. from Cleveland. Though, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical says that the Hawks will be looking to move Dunleavy to a third team.
Next: Three Trade Scenarios For Paul Millsap
Atlanta did well to get a first round pick back for Korver. This move likely signals more moves to come. Stay tuned. It’s trade season!