There are so many people around the NBA who have said what the Atlanta Hawks need to compete for a championship. First, it was getting a second star, then, in the same conversation, it was a second elite ball-handler. After that, it was their perimeter defense that needed to be fixed.
Well, the Hawks fixed the first issue when they traded Danilo Gallinari and draft capitol to the San Antonio Spurs for Dejounte Murray. This also fixed the second issue at the same time as Murray was fourth in the NBA in assists per game,
He is also an incredible wing defender which, as mentioned earlier was a need for the Hawks. They also traded Kevin Huerter to the Sacramento Kings for Maurice Harkless and Justin Holiday which also should help achieve this goal. However, there is still tremendous caution among the NBA media about where the Hawks sit in the Eastern Conference. So, what else can they do to change this?
Should the Atlanta Hawks take a look at a Jae Crowder trade?
Every team that Jae Crowder has played on the past three years has been at the top of the NBA. His time with the Miami Heat almost saw him win a championship. It was the same the following season with the Phoenix Suns.
Then the Suns were the best team in the entire league last season winning 64 games. Unfortunately, they were beaten in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks. Still, the play of Crowder, who has developed into an incredible 3-and-D player, is a big reason for this. He plays in a key position for any team looking to win a championship.
So, should the Hawks make a trade for Crowder who is 32 years old and in the final season of his deal which is worth $10.2 million? Right now the answer needs to be no, there are so many players who the Hawks need to integrate into their system that they may already have the right player to fill this role.