Atlanta Hawks: Strong case made for acquiring former top-10 pick

The Atlanta Hawks have one of the best and deepest rosters in the NBA. They absolutely know it too with the massive extensions given to Trae Young and Johns Collins and the extra money tacked on to Clint Capela’s deal. Reinforcements arrived this year via this year’s NBA Draft in Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper.

But there is always room for improvement and the Hawks are no different. For them, it is more of a who gets paid and who doesn’t problem.

Despite paying Young, Collins, and Capela Atlanta still has Kevin Huerter to consider this year and De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish the next. The latter has been involved in trade rumors since the season ended and is yet again.

The Atlanta Hawks trading for Coby White would make perfect sense at the right price

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed seven trades that need to happen before training camp. Among them was a Reddish for (Chicago Bulls guard and fellow 2019 draftee) Coby White swap. Reddish’s name keeps popping up because he has the talent and the Hawks will probably have a decision to make before he realizes it.

We’ve seen a couple of different scenarios play out with Young signing early and Collins rightfully betting on himself. The thing is, both have had ample opportunity to solidify their value.

After a start-and-stop first couple of seasons, Reddish isn’t guaranteed that chance.

For White, he’s gone from potential point guard of the future to hopeful sixth man to a prove-it year in just his third season.

That’s a lot for any player to go through let alone one that has seen the kind of turnover White has with the Bulls to start his career. As Buckley writes, this is where the Hawks and Bulls can scratch each other’s backs.

"“White might give Atlanta the best of both worlds as a 6’5″, 195-pounder who can hunt for his own shots, create them for others or spot up off the ball. If the Hawks hit big on his development, he could become someone who can both spell Young and suit up alongside him.As for Chicago, this roster is screaming for reinforcements at small forward. Patrick Williams’ long-term home seems to be power forward, which might explain why Lauri Markkanen no longer resides in the Windy City. Troy Brown Jr. hasn’t proved he can consistently contribute at this level. Stanley Johnson is still most notable for being a top-10 pick six years ago.”"

Reddish averaged 11.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his 26 games (21 starts).

But it was his performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals (21 points, 6-of-7 from three) that reminded everyone of the kind of prospect he is.

White averaged 15.1/4.1/4.8 for the Bulls and saw his numbers increase across the board as he started 54 of the 69 games he played in. But his lack of development as a passer and inconsistent shooting has left him precariously close to joining Wendell Carter and Lauri Markkanen as former Bulls.

A swap would clear up the logjam for the Hawks and potentially give them their sixth-man of the future. White has the skillset. He just needs the coaching and a change of scenery.

If there is one tweak we could stand to see to the proposal, it would be to move Danilo Gallinari who is slated to come off of the books after the 2022-23 season and will only have $5 million of his deal guaranteed in the final season.

This would involve a third team and perhaps some protected draft capital. But getting a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder to take on Gallo while sending the Bulls forward Derrick Favors, the Hawks could land White and everyone could walk away satisfied.

Chicago gets more proven, defensive frontcourt help. OKC gets to keep stockpiling picks and players to flip for picks. The Hawks wouldn’t reset the clock with White’s deal also lasting two more seasons. But those seasons would be better spent seeing what the ceiling is for the former seventh-overall pick.