Ranking 7 Hawks from least to most likely to be traded to shed salary
By Tyler Watts
2. De’Andre Hunter
It is difficult to value Hunter on the trade market. The former fourth-overall pick is a 6’8 wing with the size and length to guard every player on the floor. There is a premium placed on those players, and the Hawks would want a significant return for the 25-year-old.
Hunter’s health and advanced metrics do not paint a pretty picture, though. He played a career-high 67 games last season, but he is averaging just 51.5 per year after completing his rookie contract. Hunter has had a negative value over replacement player (VORP) in three of his first four seasons, and his win shares per 48 minutes is 0.041 for his career with 0.1 being the league average.
Hunter is just beginning a four-year extension worth $90 million. He still has room to grow, but the 6’8 forward has not produced that value so far. Teams would still be interested in acquiring him, but at what price?
The Atlanta Hawks need more production from their wings. De’Andre Hunter improving is one way for it to happen or they could search for an upgrade. The 25-year-old would have value, which makes him the perfect candidate to move if trying to shed salary, but the Hawks would certainly prefer to trade a forward that is constantly in the rumors.