Atlanta Hawks: Grading The Ersan Ilyasova Trade
Final Grade
I have a hard time finding anything negative to say about this trade from Atlanta’s perspective. Tiago Splitter, as difficult as it is to say, was going to be a non-factor for the rest of the season. If a player can’t get onto the court they are not providing your team with value.
Using his contract to bring in a player that can contribute right away was a wise move on Mike Budenholzer’s part. I’ve also never been a person that is enamored by having several second-round picks.
Let’s be honest, the second-round is a crap-shoot. For every Draymond Green there are several other players that wash out of the league after one season or less. Typically you don’t land a transcendent superstar in the second round of the NBA Draft. Sometimes you do, but most times you don’t.
By taking Paul Millsap off the market the Hawks made a commitment to winning this season. Ersan Ilyasova gives them a solid rotation piece that strengthens their depth, improves their offense, and even improves their defense.
They also acquired him without giving up any meaningful young assets. They didn’t have to give up a first-round pick. They didn’t have to give up Taurean Prince or DeAndre’ Bembry. That’s a good trade no matter how you slice it.