5 Clint Capela trades the Hawks should make without thinking twice
By Tyler Watts
2. Hawks upgrade at center and give Suns some depth
Could Atlanta try to upgrade their center spot this offseason? Deandre Ayton is rumored to be unhappy in Phoenix, and the former number-one overall pick would give the Hawks a third dynamic offensive option to pair with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Bleacher Report offered this hypothetical in a recent article.
The Suns are searching for depth and would welcome trading Ayton for two high-minute options. Capela gives them a more traditional center and rim protector to play off Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and Bogdanovic immediately slots in as the Suns’ sixth man. If they bring back Chris Paul, that is five strong options before free agency opens.
Ayton is only 24 years old and could reach a new level with a change of scenery. He is already an elite rebounder with a strong mid-range game. Can Ayton stretch his shooting beyond the 3-point line? The Hawks certainly need floor spacing, and Young and Murray will draw defenders away.
Landry Shamet gives the Hawks a strong 3-point shooter off the bench that should be entering his prime.
Can Quinn Snyder get the most out of Deandre Ayton? If he thinks so, this quickly becomes a no-brainer move for the Atlanta Hawks as they look to make a deep playoff run in 2024.