Making a trade partner out of all 29 teams for the Atlanta Hawks.
Let’s have some fun as we begin the second half of what’s already been a long off-season for the Atlanta Hawks.
Nothing in the NBA is more fun than trades, and while my petition to make NBA Trade Deadline a national holiday hasn’t gained much steam, summer trades can be just as entertaining.
It opens up the door for more possibilities with sign-and-trades being possible, draft picks have more value with the lottery standings set, and most the time, teams are less hesitant to trade star players in the summer than in the middle of the season.
For the Atlanta Hawks, summer trades have become routine since Travis Schlenk took over as GM, and just last year the team did quite of bit of trading during the off-season. Kent Bazemore, Omari Spellman, and Taurean Prince were all moved, and the team jumped from eight to four on draft day.
This year, the Hawks have a more defined nucleus moving forward, but could still make a few phone calls. Specifically, they could be in the market to trade out/down of their top pick, with the upcoming draft class looking much deeper than it is top-heavy.
That is not to say they couldn’t make some home run trades either, which would cost them one or two of their young studs.
Here, we’ll be mocking up 29 fake trades that the Hawks could potentially do this summer, one with each team, starting with the Boston Celtics.
Don’t worry, Trae Young isn’t included in any of the trades.
Boston Celtics
Overview:
Starting out with a big one here that sees Clint Capela swap jerseys without ever playing for the Hawks. Coming to Atlanta is the ever-feisty Marcus Smart and Daniel Thesis, who’s coming off his breakout season. Boston is also getting the Hawks’ 2nd-rounder next year as a sweetener.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Flipping Clint Capela has always been an option for Atlanta, especially given his questionable fit with the team and the fact they got him for pretty cheap. Marcus Smart is a combo guard who could play both behind and alongside Trae Young and would definitely help offset the team’s rough perimeter defense.
Daniel Thesis can come in and be the Hawks’ starting center for the time being and the 28-year-old is coming off a solid season being the C’s primary starting five.
Why Boston says yes:
The Celtics were one of the teams that kept coming up whenever reports that the Rockets were shopping Capela resurfaced. If that interest held, he could be grabbed from Atlanta. Thesis and Enes Kanter worked well as their center rotation, but if Boston wants to seriously contend before Brown and Tatum are too old, Capela would be a better option.
Why Atlanta says no:
Clint Capela could be amazing next to Trae Young and John Collins and if they don’t trust Thesis to be the future, they’ll have to search for a franchise center once again after thinking they just found one.
Why Boston says no:
Clint Capela is a risk and giving up Thesis and smart – two fan favorites – is too big of a haul to bring in a 26-year-old center.
Brooklyn Nets
Overview:
Straight-up, one-for-one trades are growing in rarity in the modern NBA, which is understandable given the fact that every player has a different value. Here we see one go through, with the sharpshooting Kevin Huerter being flipped for center Jarrett Allen
Why Atlanta says yes:
With Trae Young set in stone in Atlanta’s future backcourt, the Hawks already have one three-point sniping guard who is iffy on D on the roster. Flipping Huerter for Allen allows the team to have maximum flexibility with their frontcourt, especially if they can move Dewayne Dedmon to the four.
Why Brooklyn says yes:
It’s clear DeAndre Jordan was signed as a favor to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving who want to play with their buddy. Moving Allen helps them pave the way for that to happen and they pick up Kevin Huerter, who can be Joe Harris‘ replacement.
Why Atlanta says no:
Allen creates a traffic jam at the center position, with Capela, Dedmon, Bruno Fernando all already on the team. Kevin Huerter also has great chemistry with Trae Young and John Collins and could be a great shooting bench piece for years to come.
Why Brooklyn says no:
Allen is a top-tier rebounder and rim-protector, which are harder to come across than three-point specialists.
Charlotte Hornets
Overview:
Malik Monk gets perhaps a much-needed change of scenery and joining the Hawks who send rookie center and the 52nd overall pick to Charlotte to compensate.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Second chances are hit-and-miss, but if Monk continues to struggle in Atlanta he’ll be off the books after next season. It also clears up the frontcourt roster to make another move.
Why Charlotte says yes:
Malik Monk didn’t work out and Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Bruno Fernando is just 21 and flashed two-way talent at times for the Hawks during his rookie season.
Why Atlanta says no:
Between Trae Young, Cam, Reddish, and Kevin Huerter and whoever the Hawks acquire during free agency/the draft. Bruno Fernando is, at the very least, a cheap roster-filler for the next two years.
Why Charlotte says no:
Monk still has a higher ceiling than Fernando, and if turns into a star in Atlanta, it would look bad for Charlotte.
Chicago Bulls
Overview:
Let’s go for a big one after a few ho-hums trades, sending Zach LaVine to Atlanta while giving the Bulls last year’s fourth overall pick and a pick this year that would give Chicago two top-ten selections.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Lavine and Trae could perform a top-tier backcourt duo for a long time in the league, rounding out the Hawks’ ‘core four’ moving forward.
Why Chicago says yes:
LaVine is one of the young Bulls’ only players in win-now mode. Hunter and the extra first-rounder (possible to be the 1st-8th pick) gives them more young players to put around Coby White and Lauri Markkanen.
Why Atlanta says no:
De’Andre Hunter is exactly the defensive-minded wing Atlanta needs right now, and there’s no guarantee that LaVine will re-sign when his contract is up in summer ’21.
Why Chicago says no:
Zach LaVine is the face of the franchise currently and can be into the future. Hunter could help replace Otto Porter who comes off the books next summer, but the first-rounder does not hold the same weight as previous years, thanks to the relatively weak class.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Overview:
Atlanta gains a veteran on a long-term, team-friendly deal by betting on itself that their pick in 2022 won’t be more valuable than Osman.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Osman is a perfect backup wing going into the future who fits the team’s free-shooting culture. He’s under contract until 2023, never making more than $8.5 million per year.
Why Cleveland says yes:
Opens up a wing spot on the roster for either a free agent veteran or potential draft picks such as Anthony Edwards or Deni Advija. The 2022 1st gives them flexibility if they want to continue tanking or go for a playoff run with Kevin Love and Andre Drummond.
Why Atlanta says no:
Even protected, giving up a 1st-round pick is risky. Even if the team is good by then, if someone gets hurt it could all come crashing down, with nothing to show for it.
Why Cleveland says no:
Osman is still developing and can be apart of the rotation for years to come, whether the team is good or bad.
Dallas Mavericks
Overview:
Dallas moves up at least ten draft spots by sending guard Delon Wright to the Hawks
Why Atlanta says yes:
Delon Wright’s defensive presence would make him an ideal backup to Trae Young while moving down 10-15 spots may not be such a bad thing in this draft.
Why Dallas says yes:
Atlanta’s pick can possibly be between 1-8, giving the Mavs a cheap rotational player that’ll come in handy when its time to give Luka Doncic max money. Delon Wright is a good player, but the trade would free up their backcourt that already houses Doncic, Jalen Brunson, Tim Hardaway Jr, J.J Barea (free agent), and Seth Curry.
Why Atlanta says no:
If they fall in love with a player that’ll be gone by the Mavs’ 18th pick, they may not want to turn him down for the 28-year-old Wright.
Why Dallas says no:
Delon Wright is a solid defender and no one in this years’ draft looks so good that you have to trade up for them.
Denver Nuggets
Overview:
Denver finds a backup for Nikola Jokic and Atlanta grabs a wing for the future.
Why Atlanta says yes:
We’ve talked about Gary Harris‘ potential fit with the team already here, and giving up Dedmon might not be such a bad idea, especially if they believe in Bruno Fernando.
Why Denver says yes:
Dewayne Dedmon can replace Mason Plumlee who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent as Nikola Jokic’s backup at a similar cost. They can use the saved money from Gary Harris to find another star to bolster their depth.
Why Atlanta says no:
Dewayne Dedmon was just acquired to be a backup center now and into the future. He gets along with the young core and can be a solid vet for the young team. Gary Harris’ injury history is concerning as well.
Why Denver says no:
Dedmon is aging and his contract is bigger than his value on the court if he plays like he did for the Kings this year.
Detroit Pistons
Overview:
Hawks swap a point guard unlikely to make the final roster for a defensive-minded wing who could work his way up the rotation.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Brandon Goodwin is the lone Hawk under contract that likely won’t be on the team next season if they can flip him for someone who could make the final roster, they should.
Why Detroit says yes:
Brandon Knight is a free agent to be and Derrick Rose could very well be on the move this off-season as well. Goodwin is a good plug-and-play guard if they go full tank next season.
Why Atlanta says no:
Khyri Thomas is still an unknown and Brandon Goodwin has solid chemistry with the current roster, especially Trae Young.
Why Detroit says no:
Neither Brandon Goodwin nor the 52nd pick is likely to see major playing time into the future of the Motor City.
Golden State Warriors
Overview:
Blockbuster! Former Warriors executive and current Hawks GM Travis Schlenk has been identified as the man responsible for scouting and suggesting the team to take Draymond Green in the 2nd round, and reunites with him by sending a young star, John Collins.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Draymond is a proven winner and one of the best defensive players in recent NBA memory. The Hawks have been near the bottom of the league when it comes to defense for quite some time, and he can finally help them turn it around.
The 2021 first-rounder will likely be in the mid-’20s, which will be a nice bonus more than a true game-changer.
Why Golden State says yes:
John Collins is one of the most exciting players in the league and is coming off a breakout season. His elite rim-running makes him a very fun fit next to Steph Curry.
Why Atlanta says no:
Collins is a potential face of the franchise type guy and is just about to enter his prime. Draymond may be better in the next 1-2 years, but Collins will be better for years after that.
Why Golden State says no:
Aging or not, Draymond is a franchise cornerstone and the beating heart of their defense.
Houston Rockets/Washington Wizards
Overview:
Another blockbuster, three-team trade that sees Bradley Beal finally get traded after years of speculation. Ther Rockets get cap relief as the Wizards are rewarded with a load of young talent and picks. Brandon Goodwin’s deal is needed to make the money work.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Betting the future for a win-now superstar is risky, but Bradley Beal has established himself as one of the league’s premier scorers. It’s the kind of move that would make Atlanta instant contenders.
Ben McLemore isn’t on the same level as Beal but showed himself to be a very good role player this season.
Why Washington says yes:
Trading someone with Beals’ contract and skills is always hard, but the haul they’d be getting here is undoubtedly impressive. Huerter, Reddish, and the two draft picks can help right away and in the future, with Eric Gordon giving great the team a great trade piece at the deadline next season.
Why Houston says yes:
Jerome Robinson can be 80 percent of Eric Gordon, and Dewayne Dedmon actually gives the team a true center that can fit in the Rockets three-point heavy system. They’ll be saving just a bit of money as well.
Why Atlanta says no:
They would be giving up a huge haul even for the All-Star guard, and playing Beal next to Trae is a real defensive liability.
Why Washington says no:
The Wiz have shown no real interest in moving Beal in the past few seasons, and while this return is solid, they would be starting a long rebuild instead of trying to try the Beal/Wall combo once again.
Why Houston says no:
Neither Dedmon nor Robinson will bring the veteran leadership or payoff experience that Eric Gordon can, and saving a mere $2 million may not be worth losing him, even if it means they get a real center.
Indiana Pacers
Overview:
Hawks give their first-round pick (unless they win the lottery) up for T.J Warren. If they did win the lottery, the Pacers would get the Hawks’ 2021 unprotected first.
Why Atlanta say yes:
Odds are, Warren is already a better player than whomever they take with their first-round pick. Warren can be a solid two-way forward for a long time in Atlanta.
Why Indiana says yes:
The Pacers only do this if they fall in love with someone in the draft. They don’t own a pick in the first round currently and this trade would allow them to move in and take the player of their choice.
Why Atlanta says no:
T.J Warren plays the same position as Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hutner, who should be long-term fixtures of the Hawks’ future. Even in a slightly weak draft, they would still miss the chance of grabbing a young stud.
Why Indiana says no:
T.J Warren is a good team-first player who’s on a very team-friendly deal until 2021. If they don’t love anyone in the draft, it’s not worth it unless they can flip that same pick into a better player.
Los Angeles Clippers/San Antonio Spurs
Overview:
The Clippers grab a veteran with some left in the tank, Hawks gain a young defensive stud by moving from the early to the late lottery, while the Spurs acquire two young players and move up a handful of spots.
Why Atlanta says yes:
We’ve already covered a few times why the Hawks should consider moving down in this draft, and doing so also picking up Lonnie Walker IV can be a great move.
Why Los Angeles says yes:
Rudy Gay‘s career has received a second wind in San Antonio and with just one season left on his deal, should be a solid rental for a contending team like the Clips.
Why San Antonio says yes:
It’s looking like the Spurs are finally heading towards a rebuild, and moving up into the top-five would really help kickstart that. Zubac and McGruder can be filler for now and potentially on the roster in the future.
Why Atlanta says no:
The Hawks only say no to this if they really like someone projected to go before the Spurs’ pick that’s currently 11th.
Why Los Angeles says no:
Ivica Zubac and Rodney McGruder both averaged over 15 minutes per game this season, taking them out of the rotation for just Gay would leave a hole.
Why San Antonio says no:
Lonnie Walker has proven to be a young stud when healthy, and the top of the draft isn’t so stacked that they need to move up to grab a talented player.
Los Angeles Lakers
Overview:
who’s better between John Collins vs. Kyle Kuzma has been a real conversation in the past two seasons. Numbers would show that Collins is a tick better, so the trade features a small sweetener for the Hawks.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Kyle Kuzma maybe even a better fit next to Trae Young than Collins, and is much more skilled defensively than JC. Alex Caruso could certainly work as Trae’s backup for next season and perhaps into the future.
Why Los Angeles says yes:
Collins would bring a high-flying presence to the Lakers bench and would likely be better offensively than Kuz ever was.
Why Atlanta says no:
Collins is beloved by fans and just about to enter his prime, which could reach a peak as high as his dunks.
Why Los Angeles says no:
Collins (just like Kuzma) is due for a big paycheck in a short time, and he may just turn into trade bait after a year if they can’t afford him. Losing Caruso would be devastating to some die-hard fans.
Memphis Grizzlies
Overview:
The Grizzlies gain a shooting guard that’s currently missing from their roster while the Hawks are compensated both now and in the future.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Kyle Anderson won’t fill Huerter’s shoes on offense but can be much better on the other end of the court. The 2022 first can, of course, be used when we get there in two years or be used as trade bait before then.
Why Memphis says yes:
The Grizz lack a true shooting guard on their young and talented roster. Huerter shot 38 percent from three in each of his first two seasons and would carry on that tradition in Memphis. They also save some money.
Why Atlanta says no:
Kevin Huerter gels well with the current roster, Kyle Anderson’s lack of three-point shooting makes him a questionable fit in Lloyd Pierce’s system.
Why Memphis says no:
Losing any unprotected pick is scary. Even though the Grizz project to be a playoff team then, injuries and other detriments could derail it and make the pick very valuable.
Miami Heat
Overview:
The asterisk next to this trade is for Kelly Olynyk‘s player option. The Heat have a ton of money coming off the book this summer, and if Kelly Olynyk opts into his deal, the Hawks could take on his $13 million for cheap as Miami gears up for their other off-season ventures.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Kelly Olynyk is still a starting-caliber player who can stretch the floor. His deal would come off the books in one year and getting John Collins’ backup for two 2nd-rounders is very cheap.
Why Miami says yes:
As mentioned, the Heat are shaping themselves up for a big off-season, and walking away from Olynyk’s money would likely open them up for two max spots.
Why Atlanta says no:
Kelly Olynyk is already 29, and they could use those two second-rounders to draft and stash more young players.
Why Miami says no:
They may be able to get more on the market for Olynyk than two second-rounders.
Milwaukee Bucks/Oklahoma City Thunder
Overview:
Another blockbuster that sees the Bucks pair Giannis Antetokounmpo with Chris Paul in an effort to get them both a ring. Atlanta is used primarily as a facilitator but gets some solid young players as well.
Why Atlanta says yes:
D.J Wilson has had his moments in low playtime while Donte DiVincenzo has looked like a flat out future star at times in Milwaukee. They move down to the late teens in the draft but pick up a 2nd rounder from Milwaukee and unprotect the pick they have from the Thunder which is currently lottery-protected in 2022.
Why Milwaukee says yes:
In what would be Giannis’ final year before hitting the open market, they go all-in and grab CP3. They should be able to find a ring-chasing wing for cheap to ill Middleton’s hole in the starting five, or they could trade Eric Bledsoe for one.
Why OKC says yes:
CP3 likely doesn’t have a future in OKC and anything they can get from him would be great. Here they get a massive haul including De’Andre Hunter and Khris Middleton, who could either be trade bait if they want to keep flipping or their future star player. He’s just 28.
Why Atlanta says no:
It’s a steep price for two good-not-great prospects and what will likely be two mid-first-rounders. They’re not doing this deal unless they’re not very confident in De’Andre Hunter moving forward.
Why Milwaukee says no:
Eric Bledsoe and George Hill make too much money to bring in another point guard, even if it is the “Point God.” Going all all-in on someone with injury history and a lackluster playoff resume is risky as well.
Why OKC says no:
Chris Paul has shown to still be an All-Star caliber player and if they want to contend for a title now rather than in a couple of years, the logical move is to keep him.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Overview:
Minnesota gives up a young player for a top-three protected pick next year which they can use on a player or in a trade. Perhaps to help them get Devin Booker?
Why Atlanta says yes:
Okogie can be a great wing both now and for years to come for the team.
Why Minnesota says yes:
As mentioned, the T-Wolves should value trade bait right now as they search for a third star to place next to KAT and D’Lo, and depending on where the Hawks pick lands next season, it could be more valuable than Okogie.
Why Atlanta says no:
If the Hawks underperforms next season, the one bright spot that losing teams usually has, a top draft pick, would likely be gone.
Why Minnesota says no:
Straight up, if the T-Wolves think of Okogie as a franchise guy moving forward, they do not make this trade.
New Orleans Pelicans
Overview:
Another potential backcourt duo, Jrue Holiday joins Trae in Atlanta for two future picks.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Many of these trades have been to find a potential fit next to Young in Atlanta’s rotation, with the defensive-minded Jrue Holiday coming to Atlanta in this one. Even though Holiday is aging, he can still be a solid perimeter defender to help balance out Trae’s and Huerter’s defensive hindrances.
Why New Orleans says yes:
The team has to start figuring out how to pay all the young players on their roster like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, and of course, Zion Williamson. Holiday is owed $26 million in 2020 and $27 million (player option) in 2021. Getting him off the books opens the door for them to keep their young stars and the future picks let them fill out their roster for cheap when the time comes.
Why Atlanta says no:
Jrue is overpaid and nearing the end of his prime. Two firsts is a lot for any player with which that statement is true – no matter how good he is defensively and how far out those picks are.
Why New Orleans says no:
Two first-rounders is just about as good of a return as you’d get for the 30-year-old Holiday, but the picks are also two and three years away. Might be able to get another young player to help now rather than then for him.
New York Knicks
Overview:
Atlanta picks up a veteran, the Knicks pick up a young center and the teams swap 2nd rounders.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Taj Gibson can still contribute at age 34; he can be John Collins’ backup and work as the team’s veteran leader. Moving up from the late second-round to early second-round is big in this draft which has a drop off around pick 40.
Why New York says yes:
Bruno would become just the second center on the current roster and the departure of Gibson frees up the power forward spot they muddled just last off-season.
Why Atlanta says no:
Outside of veteran leadership, Gibson likely won’t be much better than Bruno this season and he’s 13 years older.
Why New York says no:
Gibson is a team captain and moving down around 20 picks in the second-rounder is too much to justify the Gibson-Fernando swap.
Orlando Magic
Overview:
Two young star power forwards switch teams with Atlanta picking up two pick swaps as well.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Jonathan Isaac is an elite defender already at the age of 22, and while his offensive peak is lower than Collins, he could be a better overall fit next to Young, Huerter, and Reddish.
Why Orlando says yes:
Isaac’s injury history is concerning and Collins can be a nice change of pace on a team that has a lot of defensive studs already.
Why Atlanta says no:
As mentioned, Isaac has injury issues and needs to work on his outside scoring. Just pick swaps might not be enough to justify swapping him for Collins.
Why Orlando says no:
John Collins is basically a slightly worse Aaron Gordon at this point in his career, and their attempts to move Gordon to the three have not panned out. They would likely have to make one into a sixth man.
Philadelphia 76ers
Overview:
The Hawks turn one young wing with two-way potential into two young wings with two-way potential.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Matisse Thybulle was as good or even better as Hunter in their respective rookie seasons, and Zhaire Smith still has the athletic potential he had coming out of college a few years ago. Both can come in and be apart of the core moving forward.
Why Philadelphia says yes:
De’Andre Hunter is from Philly and brings the same defensive energy as Thybulle. The 2022 first could be more valuable than Smith.
Why Atlanta says no:
Turning one young player into two young players may not be the best road for the Hawks – who want to start competing – to take.
Why Philadelphia says no:
Thybulle and Smith combined have more potential/future value than Hunter, Thubulle has proven to be playable for a contender as a rookie.
Phoenix Suns/Utah Jazz
Overview:
A huge swapping of centers that addresses the rumors of Donovan Mitchell‘s and Rudy Gobert‘s relationship is past fixable. Hawks get the former first overall pick and a solid swingman but give up their first-round pick and Clint Capela
Why Atlanta says yes:
Deandre Ayton is a younger Clint Capela who could end up having an even better carrer. Oubre can help the team win now and into the future if they re-sign him after his contracts up in 2021.
Why Phoenix says yes:
While it’s mostly about the Mitchell/Gobert rift, there’s also a few reports of Ayton and Devin Booker not being on great terms either. Gobert is a more win-now center to help Book finally make the playoffs.
Why Utah says yes:
Clint Capela is the same type of rim-protector center as Gobert and the top-ten pick can be used in a variety of ways, including as trade bait to grab another star if they don’t want a rook.
Why Atlanta says no:
Unless Kelly Oubre Jr. re-signs for cheap, giving up Capela and a potential top-five pick for just Ayton is a bit steep.
Why Phoenix says no:
Ayton is just 21-years-old and the first-round pick next season likely won’t help the team if they’re really in a win-now state with Gobert. If Oubre stays, maybe it’ll work better.
Why Utah says no:
Capela, while solid defensively, is not a year in, year out DPOY candidate like Gobert is, and we know the Mitchell/Gobert combo works (on the court, at least) and throwing an unknown like Capela could throw off Utah’s desire to win-now.
Portland Trail Blazers
Overview:
Atlanta grabs another young big man for a lottery-protected 2022 first-rounder that turns unprotected in ’23 if it doesn’t transfer.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Throwing another young talent into the fire to see if a change of scenery does the former 10th overall pick any good. They should be good enough in 2021 that losing their first-rounder won’t hold too much weight.
Why Portland says yes:
They get away from a young, unproven player as they try and fill their roster with win-now players around Dame and C.J. Can use the pick to help bring in another vet via trade.
Why Atlanta says no:
Zach Collins has yet to show he’s capable of being a true NBA player and could easily flame out and be off the team at the end of his contract. Also would be the fourth center on the roster.
Why Portland says no:
Instead of trying to flip the Hawks’ pick into another win-now player, they could just cut out the middle man and trade Collins for one.
Sacramento Kings
Overview:
Atlanta grabs Buddy Hield who has been in trade rumors for a few years now by sending Huerter and swapping their firsts which would move the Kings up about eight spots and the Hawks down about eight.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Hield is a friend of fellow Oklahoma Sooner Trae Young and would give the Hawks a lethal shooting backcourt as Hield moves into his prime years.
Why Sacramento says yes:
Huerter is a younger, cheaper version of Hield that opens up the Kings’ books and the pick swap allows them to take a top-tier talent rather than a late-lottery guy.
Why Atlanta says no:
Hield is already 27 and an iffy defender at best. He’s also going be due $20 million or more per season until summer 2023.
Why Sacramento says no:
The draft doesn’t feature any game-changing talent in the top-five that won’t be there in the late-lottery. Huerter is as good as a three-point shooter as Hield but can’t score inside like him.
Toronto Raptors
Overview:
Hawks grab Norman Powell who’s coming off a breakout season and can contribute as either a starter or bench piece moving forward. Raptors gain a center who can help replace Marc Gasol if he leaves in free agency.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Norman Powell is a solid two-way guard capable of making threes and scoring inside as well. Brings more to the table than Huerter.
Why Toronto says yes:
Marc Gasol is a free agent to be and Dedmon can be a floor-spacing big either as a starter or off the bench. Huerter can be a fixture going forward for them.
Why Atlanta says no:
Powell is due for a payday after next season and at 6’3, his fit next to the 6’1 Trae is questionable on both ends.
Why Toronto says no:
Powell is a budding star and Dedmon is too inconsistent to replace Gasol. Huerter can be a three-point sniper but Terence Davis and Patrick McCaw are still on the roster as well.