Ranking Atlanta Hawks’ top 11 trade assets heading into the offseason

3. Onyeka Okongwu

Aside from the two no-brainers on the Atlanta Hawks roster that are viewed as the faces of the franchise, Onyeka Okongwu is the other high-ceiling young player that would demand the greatest trade value on the open market. At least for me, Okongwu is the reason why I believe the Hawks could be active in the trade market this offseason. In short, they need to find more minutes for Okongwu before the start of next season.

Okongwu averaged 10 points and seven rebounds on 64 percent shooting from the field in a somewhat limited role for the Hawks this past season (23 minutes per game). He deserves the opportunity to start and the Hawks must thin out the frontcourt to open the door for that possibility.

The raw potential surrounding Okongwu is very much present but it’s something that needs to be completely explored by the Hawks before they make any decisions about his long-term future with the team. And with a contract extension a possibility this offseason, there are many questions that need to be answered for Okongwu and the Hawks.

I can’t imagine Atlanta trading him but perhaps they view him a bit differently three seasons in.