Analysing a proposed Atlanta Hawks trade with the Lakers
The Atlanta Hawks have some work to do on their roster over the offseason. While there were reasons for the Hawks finishing position which mean the rest of the NBA should not sleep on the Georgia franchise, they still have some issues that they need to address.
In a recent trade proposed by nbaanalysis.net, they see the Hawks sending Kevin Huerter to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return the Hawks would receive Talen Horton-Tucker and Austin Reaves. It is safe to say that this trade makes little sense for the Hawks.
While the Hawks are potentially looking to save money on their salary sheet, getting Horton-Tucker and Reaves would cost the franchise $10.2 million for Horton-Tucker and $1.6 million for Reaves. Huerter is due $14.5 million next season so the Hawks would only save about $3.0 million. This is not going to be enough to sway a second star to come to the franchise.
The play of the Atlanta Hawks would be hurt with this trade.
The Lakers have loved what Horton-Tucker brings to the table. They seem to be the only team who does though. His play can be solid but he is still struggling with decision making which is an area the Hawks need more help. He is also weak from outside the arc, going at 27.6 percent for his 3-year career.
Reaves is an interesting prospect as his salary is in the form of a team option. He averaged 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 23.2 minutes per game last season. While this is solid, it does not compare to Huerter’s production.
He also only shot the 3-ball at 31.7 percent last season which is a long way below Huerter’s 38.9 percent from last season. It is this percentage which has NBA defenses respecting Huerter’s shot meaning that they can not go as hard defensively at Young. Neither of these players suggested would have a positive impact on the Hawks offense.
Next. Should the Hawks look at this trade with the Utah Jazz?. dark
So, should the Hawks pursure this trade? Absolutely not as this would damage the identity that the Hawks are trying to develop. As an added reason not to pursue this trade, it fails when you put it into the ESPN Trade Machine, so it would not be allowed by the NBA without other trades being made first