The Hawks are starting to put it all together, and that means Atlanta could be very active buyers during the trade season. One former NBA executive believes the Hawks should be searching for a Kobe Bufkin replacement as the February deadline looms closer.
The Athletic recently published a story on each team’s biggest need heading into the trade season. Senior NBA columnist John Hollinger, formerly the vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, explained why the Hawks will need a backup point guard more than anything else at the deadline.
“Quin Snyder told you the answer to this question when he opted to DNP Kobe Bufkin and play 6-8 Vit Krejčí in the non-Trae Young minutes in a recent win over the Lakers,” Hollinger said. “While Bufkin has had his moments, the second-year pro hasn’t clearly staked his claim to the job, and the other options are clearly wanting. Trading either little-used third center Larry Nance Jr. or DNP-chillin’-at-home Cody Zeller for a steady hand in the backcourt would seem to make some sense.”
Given Bufkin’s lack of consistent production this season, Hollinger makes a valid point. The 2023 first-round pick has shown flashes of potential during his young tenure with Atlanta, but he is shooting 38.3% from the field and 21.1% from three while averaging just 5.3 points per game.
Larry Nance. Jr’s contract could land the Hawks a quality backup PG
As Hollinger suggested, the Hawks could use Larry Nance Jr.’s expiring $11.2 million contract in a deal. NBA correspondent Marc Stein recently reported that the Hawks “continue to rebuff all trade interest in versatile veteran forward Larry Nance Jr,” but Nance’s 11 DNP-CDs in the last 12 games suggest that Atlanta would move him for the right return.
On December 6, NBA insider Jake Fischer speculated on a Bleacher Report livestream that the Hawks would be willing to trade their versatile depth big.
“I know the Hawks really like Larry. I don't think they're actively shopping him,” Fischer said. “If they get some real value for him on the trade market, they would absolutely meet and probably move him."
If they are willing to attach a pick or two to Nance, the Hawks could snag a quality Trae Young backup from a selling or rebuilding team. With the Brooklyn Nets already trading Dennis Schroder to Golden State, Hawks general manager Landry Fields needs to move fast as lottery teams begin selling their pieces for draft compensation.
Injury-ravaged bottomfeeders like the Utah Jazz and the Charlotte Hornets could offer veteran point guards for draft picks. Utah is reportedly looking to sell Jordan Clarkson at the deadline, and Charlotte could feasibly shop players like Seth Curry or Vasilije Micic. Both of these teams could use any kind of draft compensation in exchange for players who don’t fit their timeline.
The miserable Washington Wizards, who are currently on pace for an 11-win season, will almost certainly sell their vets. That includes the expiring contract of 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon.
However, the Hawks would need to include a lot more than just Nance to match Brogdon’s money and stay within the first tax apron. If Atlanta is willing to part from other non-rotation pieces like David Roddy, Cody Zeller, or even Bufkin himself, they could snag Brogdon and gain a humongous upgrade over Krejci or Bufkin at the backup point guard position.
Then again, Brogdon would likely be a rental. He also has an extensive injury history that could make such a trade too risky – or even flat-out unnecessary – for the Hawks.
The Hawks could wait it out and see how Kobe Bufkin develops
While the Hawks could certainly opt to trade for a Bufkin replacement, they could also simply wait and see with the 21-year-old. Bufkin has not played in either of Atlanta’s last two games, but he did score 10 points on 4/4 shooting as recently as December 2.
His production is not and has not been ideal for a team looking to compete in the playoffs next April, but his recent demotion from the rotation could serve as the kind of motivation he needs to elevate his game for the Hawks.
In 14 G League games last season, a rookie Bufkin averaged 23.6 points, 5.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. More importantly, the young gun nailed 2.6 threes per game on 35.6% shooting.
Even though he has struggled, Bufkin has the potential to give Atlanta the backup point guard they need. Only time will tell if the Hawks want to stick it out with him or find a short-term solution on the trade market.