Proposed 3-team blockbuster trade sees Atlanta Hawks land Jaylen Brown

Could the Atlanta Hawks get in on a Kevin Durant trade in a different way and wind up with Jaylen Brown? Despite his talent, perhaps the Hawks don’t want to go all-in for a 34-year-old player who has shown a tendency to bail on situations. But they could still stand to be benefactors of a deal that is likely to have plenty of fallout.

The Brooklyn Nets superstar recently doubled down on his trade request, this time to the owner face-to-face.

At one point, the Hawks could have been an interested team.

But, on top of keeping Durant happy, the Hawks would also have to satisfy Brooklyn’s asking price. That would be a tough task to pull off without bringing in a third team. It makes far more sense for the Hawks to be that third team for the right target.

Blockbuster proposed trade would land Jalen Brown with the Atlanta Hawks

Durant’s list of preferred teams has expanded in the wake of his direct approach with Nets governor Joe Tsai. He has now included the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. He has been seen working out with former Nets and Oklahoma City Thunder teammate James Harden. But Philly’s assets make a deal complicated.

Especially because we know that Brown has already been offered by Boston. Brooklyn has maintained a high asking price though. Enter Hawks who Bills Simmons recently offered up in a three-team deal to bring Brown home on an episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast“.

“I thought it was interesting he was hanging out with Trae Young this weekend…But then you look at Atlanta’s roster. It’s like, go in the trade machine and try to figure out a fair trade for the Nets with Atlanta’s roster.”

Simmons then offers up the trio of John Collins who has been in trade rumors for two years, De’Andre Hunter who has been “off-limits” in trade talks, and Onyeka Okongwu. Hawks president Travis Schlenk says he has “All-Defense-type potential”.

They also are light on draft capital, as Simmons points out, following the trade for Dejounte Murray even after recouping a pick from trading Kevin Huerter.

Then there is Durant’s age.

Add that to the uncertainty around keeping Durant happy – and therefore on the team – Simmons offers Atlanta as the facilitator with the bonus of getting a really good player in return.

“You could three-way it where…Atlanta gets Jaylen Brown, the Celtics get Durant, and the Celtics throw more in.”

There were reports that Durant wanted to play with Celtics guard Marcus Smart but that Brooklyn was insisting upon his inclusion.

Folding in the Hawks’ assets could get this deal over the top.

The Hawks reportedly did not want to pay Collins as much as they did and Hunter seems headed for restricted free agency which teams like to avoid. Okongwu is promising but still unproven compared to Brown, an All-Star and Olympic gold medalist.

“He’s a big a** wing. He guards the hell out of people,” offered Simmons’ guest Wosne Lombre, “And he’s shown 1-on-1 capability.”

He’s also under contract for the next two years. But, like with Murray, due to the structure of his contract and the CBA, the Hawks wouldn’t be able to extend him for a fair price. That sounds like more of a formality if he fits.

Before getting too excited, Simmons was quick to pour cold water on his proposal.

“I don’t think a three-way deal happens with this…I think he either stays in Brooklyn or he goes to one team. I think there’s one team on the table right now…The Warriors.”

There is also the matter of replacing Collins in the lineup. Jalen Johnson is likely not ready. And, while Brown can play the 4, that is a look that should be used sparingly.

If the Hawks do want parts of this deal to land Brown, the framework works financially.

And it would seem to get every player in a place where they would be happy, something that Simmons says is a huge factor.

As with any proposal, it is always a long shot. But it is not as far-fetched as it might seem with most of the moving parts already in place.