The Atlanta Hawks could solve a long-term problem trading for Coby White, but this would be a mistake.
Per a recent report, the Hawks may be amongst three other suitors – the Clippers, Magic, and Timberwolves – in the final weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline on February 5th.
Take this report with a grain of salt, as questions have been raised regarding its legitimacy. That being said, the ideas posited in the article are still very tempting for Atlanta, should they choose to move in such a direction.
Unlike the other three teams, the Hawks aren't necessarily in a mandatory must-win situation, though. For instance, the Clippers roster the aging duo of Harden and Leonard, and are desperate to make a turnaround this season before the two retire.
The Magic just traded away an absolute haul of picks, mortgaging their future to pair Desmond Bane with their dynamic young forward duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Middling in the weaker Eastern Conference, they may need an extra offensive punch to get over the hump.
The Timberwolves have long sought a Mike Conley replacement. While Conley can still show flashes of high-level play, his legs are aging. Rob Dillingham was the hope to replace the talented veteran, but as the Anthony Edwards years wane ever closer to hitting free agency, perhaps a more immediate move is needed.
The Hawks aren't in a position to immediately require what White brings to the table – should they be trading for him at all?
Trading for White would be a shortsighted mistake for the Hawks
There's no refuting the claim that Coby White is a sensational scorer and an overall well-rounded guard in the NBA.
He has enough size and strength (and positional wherewithal) to hold his own on the defensive end of the court while continuously demonstrating his deep bag of tricks on offense year after year for the Chicago Bulls.
Additionally, White is on an incredibly team-friendly deal at present. He's making approximately $13M this season. Dollar for dollar, this could be argued as one of the best value-deals in the entire league.
Unfortunately for White, there's one massive hole in the logic for trading for the elite scorer reports he's on an expiring deal.
There's absolutely no guarantee to any team trading for White that he'll stick around long-term. Therefore, teams that have shown any sort of interest in him haven't offered up the price that Chicago is allegedly seeking – an unprotected first round pick.
A more realistic scenario for the Hawks – if they remain interested in White through the summer and no other team bites on Chicago's hefty price at the deadline – is acquiring the youngster through a sign-and-trade. This would allow the Bulls some compensation, so as not lose their young asset for nothing, while guaranteeing the Hawks their rights to his next contract.
Fans should trust savvy GM Onsi Saleh to make the right play, and steer clear of White, at least for the time being.