Proposed trade sees Atlanta Hawks land 2-time All-Defensive star

The Atlanta Hawks figure to have a much more formidable defense next season following the addition of Dejounte Murray this summer. They should also be able to withstand one of the better “3-and-D” players in the NBA last season, Kevin Huerter, whom they traded to the Sacramento Kings.

We have come to expect that any further moves would be minor.

But there might be even more they can do to further build the best possible roster around Trae Young.

The rumor mill has not stopped churning out hypotheticals in an attempt to do just that. One, in particular, would see them follow through on a pursuit from last season: Ben Simmons, now with the Brooklyn Nets.

Atlanta Hawks land Ben Simmons in a newly proposed blockbuster trade

An offseason would not be complete without speculation and, as a result, trade proposals. This comes from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz – who acknowledges the move would be “risky” – and would see the Hawks land the three-time All-Star. Simmons has not played since the 2021 season, missing all of the 2022 campaign after having back surgery.

“Simmons is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward player due to his back issues and sour relationship with his former Philadelphia 76ers team. However, he is still a three-time All-Star and second-place finisher in Defensive Player of the Year voting who just turned 26.”

Hughes suggests the Hawks send a package centered around the oft-discussed John Collins to the Nets for Simmons.

“The trade for Dejounte Murray helped address the need for an elite backcourt defender and an additional ball-handler, but…Building a defense around Young that features Simmons, Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, and Onyeka Okongwu would suddenly make the Hawks one of the best in the NBA”

Nate McMillan has talked about Collins as if he is going to be a big part of what they do next season.

There were reports that the Hawks and Collins were destined for a breakup.

The market never materialized, though, and all sides have appeared ready to move forward as-is. Bleacher Report even noted that the Hawks just missed the cut with their Big Three featuring Collins, Murray, and Young.

We have not heard how Collins feels about still being in Atlanta recently. But he has always maintained (subscription required) that he wanted to stay with the Hawks and has never publicly requested a trade. His representatives did urge the Hawks to trade him at one point during contract negotiations.

Collins ultimately signed a five-year, $125 million contract last summer.

Bogdan Bogdanovic figures to retain his role as one of the best sixth-men in the league. But he will need to stay healthy after undergoing the third surgery on his right knee this offseason.

Simmons’ career turned on a seemingly innocuous play where he passed up a chance to score on Young in the 2021 playoffs. The initial backlash was a bit overblown. That moment came with plenty of time on the clock and the Sixer still within striking distance.

It did not stop the Hawks from pursuing a trade for the oversized guard last summer. There were even reports they were sniffing around him this offseason despite fit questions.

The Hawks aren’t likely to obtain Simmons at a bargain, though.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports that Brooklyn knows Simmons’ value is at an all-time low and is “wary” of moving him at this time. Their current draft pick situation adds importance to a significant talent such as the 26-year-old Simmons.

Any future moves this offseason will still very likely be minor. But the Hawks could finally land the star they’ve been chasing for some time in addition to Murray and Young.