Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks: 3 big trades to upgrade the center position

By Joshua Buckhalter

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 05: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on May 5, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 05: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies defends against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on May 5, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The ending to the Atlanta Hawks season has everyone scrambling to figure out how they can make it to the next level. For some, that means paying up for John Collins, no matter what. Others might see Collins’ potential vacated cap space and say the team can spring for a pricey free agent. The options there will be limited, however, hence our focus on the trade market.

Along those lines, we went through several trade options if the team was looking to replace Collins in the event he signs an offer sheet they don’t want to match or, even less likely, they come to an agreement with him on a sign-and-trade.

But, what if the adjustment, either to keep Collins or in response to his departure, is at center?

The Atlanta Hawks could see a domino effect regardless of what happens with Collins, forcing them into a move or two to offset losing him or to alleviate a tightening cap situation. Because, as much as we’d all like to, they won’t be able to pay everyone.

And with the way their roster is set up, the next likely candidate (a relative term on a roster that went to the Eastern Conference Finals) to be moved is Clint Capela.

The Atlanta Hawks roster is solid but the talents of these centers would put them over the top

General Manager Travis Schlenk has said he has faith in all of the Hawks bigs. But with two years and over $35 million left on his deal, it isn’t hard to imagine a world where Atlanta moves on from the 2021 rebounding champ. But the only way they should (and like would) do so is if the incoming player offered a clear upgrade over the incumbent Capela.

Two areas come to mind: offense and rim protection. Free throw shooting is an issue as well but for big men, that is generally a bonus. Again, the default assumption is everyone returns as there truly aren’t many upgrades.

But, if one of these deals could be made, it’d be hard to see the Hawks passing.

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