The Atlanta Hawks may already have an intriguing alternative if Jonathan Kuminga's time with the organization comes to an end.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Atlanta has expressed interest in a potential sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson, whose two-way skillset could make him an ideal replacement for Kuminga despite the potentially significant cost of acquiring him.
Kuminga's future remains one of Atlanta's biggest unresolved questions. The Hawks have reportedly remained interested in bringing him back, but potential sign-and-trade scenarios continue to surface as teams explore opportunities to acquire the athletic forward.
If Kuminga ultimately leaves, Watson would give the Hawks another young, versatile wing capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. The question is whether acquiring him would be worth what Atlanta may have to sacrifice.
Watson would strengthen an already dangerous defense
Watson is coming off the best season of his young career. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 41% from three-point range on 3.6 attempts per game.
Those numbers alone make Watson an intriguing target, but his defensive ability is what could make his fit in Atlanta particularly exciting.
Watson has earned playing time throughout his career because of his ability to defend multiple positions. He uses his length, athleticism, and physicality to make opposing players uncomfortable while consistently accepting difficult defensive assignments.
Now imagine adding that skillset alongside Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Daniels has already established himself as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders, while Alexander-Walker provides Atlanta with another physical and versatile option on that end of the floor. Adding Watson to that combination could give the Hawks one of the league's most disruptive collections of perimeter defenders.
His offensive improvement makes the possibility even more intriguing. Shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc suggests Watson could provide the floor spacing Atlanta needs while contributing without requiring the offense to run through him.
At the same age as Kuminga, Watson would also fit naturally within the Hawks' timeline. Atlanta would not be sacrificing youth for immediate production. Instead, the organization would be adding another player who could help now while continuing to develop alongside its core.
The price could make Kuminga the better option
As appealing as Watson's fit may be, the Hawks should not make a move simply because an intriguing player becomes available.
President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh has repeatedly emphasized the importance of making smart decisions while building the roster. That approach should remain unchanged in any potential pursuit of Watson.
Denver would have little reason to make acquiring Watson easy. A young wing coming off a career season while displaying significant two-way potential should command a substantial return in any sign-and-trade scenario.
That is where Atlanta must carefully evaluate the opportunity cost.
Would acquiring Watson make the Hawks better? There is certainly an argument that it could. However, if Atlanta must sacrifice significant draft capital or other valuable assets to complete the deal, bringing Kuminga back could ultimately become the more logical option.
The Hawks already know what Kuminga provides. Since arriving from Golden State before the trade deadline, he has given Atlanta athleticism, offensive creation, and defensive versatility while proving capable of contributing to a playoff team.
Watson could provide many of those same qualities, particularly on the defensive end. But replacing one talented young forward with another only makes sense if the overall cost benefits Atlanta.
There is also no guarantee Kuminga is leaving. The Hawks reportedly remain interested in re-signing him, meaning Watson should be viewed as another potential avenue rather than a necessary acquisition.
Atlanta's interest is still worth monitoring. A defensive trio of Watson, Daniels, and Alexander-Walker would give opposing perimeter players plenty of problems throughout the season.
However, the Hawks should remain disciplined. Watson would undoubtedly be a nice addition and potentially an excellent replacement if Kuminga departs.
But if the price becomes too expensive, Atlanta may discover that its best option has been on the roster all along.
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