Mo Bamba
This one will be much easier, with the teams much more likely to find a deal without needing a third team.
Bamba was the 6th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, going right after Trae Young on that night. Since, Bamba hasn’t made the leap yet, starting just one game in the NBA so far, averaging 5.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in 2019-2020.
The asking price has to be pretty big for Orlando, who’s very unlikely to give up on their top-ten pick from a year ago for pennies on the dollar. They Hawks would likely have to budge on either one of their young pieces, or on draft picks, perhaps even both.
Pick-scenario:
If the Magic preferred a future pick instead of a member of the Hawks’ young core, this could get it done.
The Hawks are essentially betting on themselves here, giving them a year to get back into position were the 2021 pick wouldn’t too valuable. The protection gives them a bit of security in case they go bust next season, but that would soon diminish.
Player-scenario:
Here the teams swap 21-year-old centers, with Bruno Fernando finding a new home in Orlando.
The Hawks give up the rookie Fernando, who has had good, bad and very bad performances this season, sending away Jabari Parker as well. They essentially swap lottery-protected picks, giving away this seasons for Orlando’s next season. 2021 is thought to be the better draft class.
Orlando gets two young big men instead of one, and the pick of course.
Whether or not any of these happen, it’s set to be a fun Trade Deadline for the Hawks. Check back here until then for more news and speculation.