The Atlanta Hawks made the first change to their roster, shipping 22-year-old Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks. They will get back a protected first-round pick (via the Charlotte Hornets) that should convey this offseason as well as forward Kevin Knox, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Reddish has been the subject of trade rumors dating at least back to the end of last season after his strong showing in the Eastern Conference Finals.
His career has been marred by inconsistency as COVID, injuries, and his own play have all contributed. He’s missed 61 games over his first three years, making just 23 regular-season appearances last year.
He is averaging 11.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists this season.
The points mark a career-high but the rebounds and assists are both down but he is shooting career-highs from the floor (40.2% FG) and from deep (37.9% 3P).
Reddish, 22, gets his wish for a deal to a team with the ability to give him an increased role and an extension this summer – and Hawks get a first-round pick that could be useful in more deal-making to improve the roster. https://t.co/o0R4nS7KBv
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2022
Hold off before passing judgment on the Atlanta Hawks return in the Cam Reddish trade
For his career, Reddish is averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 boards, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. He has a reputation as an athletic, switchy perimeter defender. But, this season his defense has waned, perhaps thanks to his increased offensive role. The third-year wing’s usage rate has jumped from 18.9 percent as a rookie and 19.3 in his second season to 23.1 percent this year.
The deal, that also sends beloved locker room presence Solomon Hill to the Knicks, has different implications for both teams.
Atlanta is coming off of a 115-91 loss to the short-handed Miami Heat and sit 12th in the East at 17-23. New York is 21-21 but sits just one spot above the Hawks, adding another layer of intrigue to the pact.