Newly proposed blockbuster trade would see Atlanta Hawks land Kevin Durant

Just when we thought they were out, the Atlanta Hawks get pulled right back into the drama between the Brooklyn Nets and disgruntled star, Kevin Durant. Durant doubled down on his request to be traded from earlier this offseason. This time, he put forth an ultimatum to team governor, Joe Tsai.

It either has to be Durant or the regime of head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Perhaps that gets the NBA offseason rolling after many thought it would remain calm.

If Durant is indeed going to be moved this offseason, the Hawks might want to at least put their best offer on the table to see what sticks. They are one of the few teams that could come close to meeting the Nets’ high asking price.

Proposal lands Kevin Durant with the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for John Collins

Durant’s deadline is sure to spark an entirely new wave of trade proposals. And one of the first of that group is the Hawks. This proposal comes from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz who says the offseason feels “very much unsettled” with Durant’s situation still hanging over the Association.

Swartz says the Hawks aren’t quite a contender yet despite already pulling off one major trade already this summer.

Atlanta would also send first-round picks in 2023, 2024, and 2029 in this proposal.

Why would the Hawks be willing to give up all of that? “Because he’s Kevin freaking Durant”, says Swartz.

"Look, getting Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs via trade was a good start, but this is still a lower-level playoff seed in the East that needs another star. With a core of Durant, Trae Young and Murray, the Hawks become a true title contender.Defenses can’t double-team Young anymore when one of the greatest scorers in NBA history is on the court with him. While Durant will do his share of the ball-handling, he’s lethal as a spot-up shooter playing off of Young and Murray as well.A starting lineup of Young, Murray, Justin Holiday, Durant and Clint Capela is among the NBA’s best, especially with Bogdan Bogdanovic as a sixth man.The Hawks go from an improved team with Murray to a potential championship favorite with Durant."

Atlanta’s front office has made sure they stayed under the luxury tax. But they have said that they would pay up for a contender.

Durant would seem to make them that.

And we have previously explored the possibility earlier in the offseason. The Hawks were not on Durant’s list then, though, and remain a longshot to land the 12-time All-Star now. But they should absolutely check Brooklyn’s temperature on their offer if they are serious about building a contender around Trae Young.

Of course, Durant also turns 34 years old before the season starts and is still owed $194 million over the next four years. That is quite the significant investment for a player that would be on his fourth team in the last eight seasons.

It’s not surprising to see John Collins mentioned in this proposal, either. He has been bandied about in hypotheticals for the last two offseasons. But, if nothing else, this offseason showed Young and Murray aim to play with the high-flyer.

De’Andre Hunter has been considered “off-limits” in previous trade talks, though, Durant is an admittedly different situation than almost any other. Similar sentiments have been expressed about Onyeka Okongwu whom general manager Travis Schlenk challenged during his exit interview.

Griffin, the 16th-overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, has been out of action since joining the team earlier this offseason dealing with a foot injury making his value unclear.

This is either wishful thinking or a pipe-dream depending on which side you’re on.

Either way, it seems highly unlikely to get done. But that is different from being impossible or completely off of the table. That alone means this probably isn’t the last time the Hawks are mentioned in connection to Durant.