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Atlanta Hawks: Examining recent trade rumors

By Cannon Wonderlich

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 21: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers grabs a rebound over Kent Bazemore #24 and Alex Len #25 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Hawks defeated the Cavaliers 133-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 21: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers grabs a rebound over Kent Bazemore #24 and Alex Len #25 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 21, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Hawks defeated the Cavaliers 133-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

DeMar DeRozan

It was just three season ago that DeMar DeRozan was averaging 27.3 points per game. Since being moved to the San Antonio Spurs, his numbers have taken a dip. That’s nothing to worry about. DeRozan could still average nearly 30 points per game if he had the opportunity. The Spurs simply refuse to run a DeMar-centric strategy.

If the Atlanta Hawks were to trade for DeRozan, they would likely only have to give up salary filler and either a pick or a young player.

While DeRozan would certainly improve the Hawks in the right now, and he would fill a hole, this wouldn’t be the wisest move by Atlanta. DeRozan would be the team’s best wing, but he would take away minutes from young players who would benefit more from the experience. He wouldn’t be a great fit as he would take over and stop the growth of the last few years worth of draft picks — not to mention his abysmal 26.3 percent from 3-point land on 0.6 attempts per game.

If the Hawks want a wing star, Jrue Holiday would be an infinitely better choice than DeRozan.

Kyle Kuzma

After Kyle Kuzma‘s trainer publicly dissed LeBron James on social media, word of a Kuzma trade began to swirl throughout Twitter. No matter how serious those rumors were, Kuzma would probably cost much more than he’s worth.

It’s difficult to make a Kuzma trade, as the Los Angeles Lakers value him much more than the $1.9 million they pay him annually. Realistically though, Kuzma is way overrated and all teams should keep their distance.

Most would say Kuzma’s greatest strength is his scoring and shooting from deep. However, this season, Kuzma is averaging a career low 11.9 points per game. He has been coming off the bench, so last season’s numbers might be more accurate to his ability, right?

Last season, of all 30 players to shoot at least six three pointers per game, Kuzma shot the worst percentage (30.3 percent). Sure, he averaged18.7 points, but Kuzma is a glorified volume shooter who isn’t all that great at shooting. However, he’ll go on hot streaks that make everyone forget about his shooting inaccuracy.

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While big names like Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, and Kyle Kuzma sound to be available, hopefully the Atlanta Hawks will keep their distance from these player. If the Hawks do make a move, hopefully it’s for Jrue Holiday or Steven Adams — someone who directly fills a need for the team or someone who can help the team be at least halfway decent.

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