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Will the Atlanta Hawks make a trade or bulk up during the draft and free agency?

By Symone Stanley

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 22, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 22, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Addressing the state of the Atlanta Hawks before the Thursday Trade Deadeline.

As the Atlanta Hawks sit 3rd from the bottom in the league’s defensive rating, it’s no surprise that the team is keeping their eyes open for a physical center before the trade deadline comes to a close on Feb 6.

The Hawks, who are currently 13-37 and out of playoff contention, have the most leverage with their 2020 first round draft pick. With a young budding core of Trae Young, John Collins, and Kevin Huerter, trading away their first round draft pick could provide them a more readily dynamic center with some winning experience who is ready to jump in and help the team win right away.

Enter Andre Drummond and Clint Capela.

Andre Drummond is currently averaging 17.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game and is in the 4th year of his 5-year/ $127 million dollar (worth 28 million this season) contract with the Detroit Pistons.

The problem for the Hawks is that he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. If they trade for him this season, will they be able to agree on an extended contract when he becomes an UFA? It wouldn’t make any sense for the Hawks to trade for him for the rest of this season only, given this season is pretty much a bust for the Hawks.

As for the Pistons, they are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, looking to rebuild and are involved in rumors for trading Derrick Rose as well, Drummond would be a great piece for the Hawks in the middle if they can ensure his longevity in Atlanta.

Now let’s take a look at Clint Capela. Capela is currently averaging 13.9 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game and is in the 2nd year of his 5-year/ $90 million (worth 14 million this season) contract with the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets, who are currently 5th in the Western Conference and on track for a run in the playoffs, are seemingly looking for a 2020 first round draft pick and playmaker on their wing. The Hawks could engage in a multi-team trade in order to ultimately obtain Capela as the Hawks cap space is insufficient for acquiring him alone. Now which teams will be involved in the trade is the question.

Next. The Hawks would never trade John Collins... Right?. dark

The Hawks could also take the route of not making a trade at all. The young team will be able to select a center with their first round 2020 NBA draft pick. The Hawks also have several players whose contracts will come to an end this season. Those include Chandler Parsons (who is eating up the bulk of the team’s cap space), Jeff Teague, Vince Carter, Evan Turner, Alex Len, and Treveon Graham. Atlanta will have a lot of cap flexibility when free agency comes around.

Many intriguing players will become free agents at the end of the 2019-2020 season. Including, Lakers All-Star Anthony Davis, Clippers inside defender Montrezl Harrell, Warriors defensive superstar Draymond Green, and Trailblazers center Hassan Whiteside.

Even though some of the free agents might be hard to imagine leaving their current franchise, we all know that anything is possible in the NBA when it comes to free agency.

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