Grade the trade: Hawks solve shooting woes in latest proposal

The Atlanta Hawks had a quiet offseason, but not for lack of trying. They traded John Collins to the Jazz and attempted to pry Pascal Siakam from the Raptors (subscription required). Getting the two-time All-Star would have been massive, but it hasn’t happened.

The Hawks are eager to contend, but will primarily rely on internal growth after back-to-back first-round playoff exits. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray are a star duo, but is their supporting cast strong enough to make a deep playoff run? It was not a season ago.

Atlanta did not address their shooting woes. The Hawks finished 26th in 3-pointers made and 21st in 3-point percentage last season. They need an upgrade and one of the league’s best shooters just became available after the Pacers’ extension talks with Buddy Hield fizzled (subscription required). The 30-year-old wing is entering the final year of his contract and could be moved to ensure they get something in return.

Will the Atlanta Hawks be in on the Buddy Hield sweepstakes?

Hield is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn $19.2 million. The team that trades for him will want to extend him. The Hawks could swap out De’Andre Hunter’s salary for Hield but would have to weigh how the defensive losses impact their overall production.

Atlanta needs shooting, and they will not find a better option than Hield. He was connected on 40-plus percent for his career and rates among the league’s most efficient high-volume shooters.

What would Atlanta have to give up to acquire Buddy Hield? Let us take a closer look at a recent mock trade to explore the potential details.