Should the Atlanta Hawks Target Malik Beasley Via Trade?

Taking a look at Denver Guard Malik Beasley and the potential of the Atlanta Hawks acquiring him via a trade.

It’s officially trade season in the NBA, with the window to trade most players now open. The Atlanta Hawks will almost certainly be in action for the next few months.

They’ll likely be both buying and selling, and one piece they could look to add is Denver guard Malik Beasley.

Beasley, the 4th-year shooter out of Florida State, has slowly been worked out of the rotation. After averaging 23.2 minutes a game last year, Beasley is down to 15.7 this year, with a few DNP’s in there as well.

The Nuggets are 16-8 with aspirations for a deep playoff run, so if they figure they can switch Beasley out for someone who can help them more, they’d likely do it. He’s already one of the most buzzed trade pieces in the league for others teams.

He shoots 40% from deep and solid defense, two things nearly every team – contender or not -could use. The Hawks certainly could especially use the latter.

Potential contenders currently on the bubble could take a look at him –  as he’s cheap and he’ll become a restricted free agent next summer.

Although, as someone who is near the end of the Nuggets’ bench, reviving 6 DNP’s in his last 14 games, Beasley’s trade value isn’t exactly sky high at the moment.

Denver would likely prefer an instant impact player, something they’re just not going to get unless other Nuggets are involved.

Atlanta has the Cavs’ (top 10) and the Nets’ (lottery) protected first rounders to go along with their own, as well as a handful of 2nd rounders between this year and the next. Something like this could get the job done:

Picks likely wouldn’t the Nugs’ first choice, but are assets they can use to flip into other trades.

For Atlanta, they’d be picking up another young guard (Beasley just turned 23) who can realistically contribute this year and the future.

Beasley or not, it’ll be a fun trade season for the Hawks.

Keep it tuned to Soaring Down South for consistent trade ideas from now until the February deadline.