As the Atlanta Hawks (17-23) get set to take on the Miami Heat for the second time in three days, they search for ways to turn their 17-23 record, and their season, around. It won’t be easy. Miami entered the last contest shorthanded but on a roll and could get star Jimmy Butler back from an ankle injury.
A few days ago we were wondering if constantly shuffling lineups thanks to injuries and COVID was the main culprit behind the Hawks struggles.
Now, the question has to be whether or not the Hawks will see improved play on the court as a result of presumed better chemistry in the locker room. No matter whose side you’re on, having a guy who doesn’t want to be around in the locker room is a detriment.
Beyond that, though, it is fair to wonder what, or more specifically who could be next?
Schlenk on Reddish: "Cam had come to us during the offseason & expressed the desire to maybe get to a situation where he could have a little bigger role."
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) January 14, 2022
Said Reddish went about it in the right way. Schlenk told him if they found something that works, they'd take a look at it.
The Atlanta Hawks should look to move on from these players before the deadline
No one has come out and said for certain that there will be more moves made ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb 10. Reports are that dealing Reddish had been in the works for months. However, some signs point to the Hawks dealing away Cam Reddish for a mid-first-round pick and Kevin Knox is just a precursor to something else.
Many of those same signs are being pointed to by people touting Ben Simmons as the target.
As we’ve discussed, trading for Simmons doesn’t make sense. At least not this season with non-shooting center Clint Capela unable to be traded until the offseason thanks to the extension he signed over the summer.
The Hawks could always pull the trigger and ride out this season but it is unclear if they are fully ready to wave the white flag as a move like that could suggest.
Their record will go a long way in determining which way they go next.