Soaring Down South
Fansided

Making Sense of An Odd Tristan Thompson/Hawks Connection

By Dallin Duffy

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 18: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during a game against the Chicago Bulls on January 18, 2020 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 18: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during a game against the Chicago Bulls on January 18, 2020 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Addressing rumors that the Atlanta Hawks are interested in Cavs center Tristan Thompson.

We have our first odd rumor of trade season! Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer reported that the Atlanta Hawks have shown interest in Tristan Thompson, the Cavaliers veteran center.

Thompson has been on the market for quite some time now, but has recently picked up steam of late. Mostly, he’s gained interest from contenders in need of a center like the Clippers and Rockets, as well as the Wizards.

TT is having a great season, averaging a career best in points, rebounds and assists. He’s just 28, in the prime of his career, and could have a big playoff run with the right team.

That’s what makes the connection to the Hawks even stranger. The Hawks are in no position to take on a rental (Thompson becomes a unrestricted free agent this summer), and even if they plan on re-signing him, he’s not the best fit.

Trying to make sense of the odd connection, there is one way a trade could make sense: a buy-out.

Thompson is a key target to be bought out if not traded, and if the Cavs don’t want to do that themselves, they could trade him to Atlanta to get that done. Why this would happen, I’m not sure, but it certainly makes more sense than trading for Thompson and playing him for two months before letting him walk.

The Hawks don’t have enough money to take on Thompson’s $18 million without sending anything back, but sending Evan Turner to Cleveland would be enough. The Hawks could also send a protected 2nd rounder as Thompson is much better player than Turner.

Thompson is one of the more likely players to be traded before Thursday’s deadline, and while the Hawks have been in the market for a center, Thompson doesn’t make sense for their current state. A buy out could be in play however.

Next. Mock Trades for Mo Bamba, Clint Capela. dark

Stay tuned here for all Atlanta Hawks’ trade rumors before the February 6th deadline.