Atlanta is in the market for front court depth. That has been evident ever since Jalen Johnson went down with a season-ending injury last year. They could use any possible help in the lineup, ideally from someone who fits their timeline.
After months of speculation and misleading rumors, Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the tenth overall pick in this year's draft.
While the Hawks were originally listed as a team that may "check in" on Durant, it was never something that was taken too seriously by the organization. At 36 years old, Durant's value is no longer what it once was.
It was a gamble not many teams were willing to take. Trading young assets for an aging star on an expiring contract is hardly ever the right move. Houston, however, managed to acquire the two-time Finals MVP without gutting away their depth. A great move for the franchise.
The two teams involved in this trade now differ in one major way. Houston has a logjam in the front court, while Phoenix has one of the weakest front courts in the league.
On top of Sengun's current deal and a potential extension for Durant, Houston is going to have to extend Smith Jr. and Eason this offseason, as well as prepare for a Thompson extension next offseason.
They are going to have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA next year. That is, unless they opt to deal one of their young forwards before an extension is necessary. After the acquisition of Kevin Durant, it would be smart for Houston to listen to offers for Jabari Smith Jr.
Atlanta should attempt to trade for the young forward.
Smith fits the mold: a versatile 22-year-old forward in need of a change of scenery. He could either start or come off the bench, depending on the health situation in the frontcourt. An improving three-point shooter who can rebound and defend multiple positions is exactly what Atlanta needs to bolster their second unit. They are also in a much better position to ink him to an extension.
If it is something that Houston would be interested in, a deal could take place soon, as the NBA Draft is just three days away. After parting ways with the tenth overall pick in the Durant trade, the Rockets may look to attain another first round pick in a Smith Jr. deal. It just so happens that Atlanta holds two valuable firsts in this year's draft, as well as the league's largest traded-player exception.
Even if Smith is unattainable, today's blockbuster trade opens the door for Atlanta to acquire a top wing with the 13th overall pick in Wednesday's draft.
Phoenix, now lacking any real strength in the front court, could select a big with the tenth overall pick they acquired from Houston. With one team ahead of the Hawks now unlikely to steal one of their top targets, Atlanta could see Carter Bryant, Noa Essengue or Cedric Coward fall into their lap at 13.
While the implications for the Atlanta Hawks were not the first thing on everyone's minds following today's Kevin Durant trade, the lasting impact of Houston's overloaded front court and Phoenix's lack of will be felt league-wide, especially in the Eastern Conference.