There is a big need for the Atlanta Hawks, and they could have a chance to address it at the 2024-25 trade deadline. They will also get a chance to see first-hand just what the ideal trade target can do on Tuesday.
The Hawks face the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of their six-game road trip, a stretch that has proven very revealing.
The Hawks have struggled against the West, and their play on the interior is a big reason why.
It has shown up in their last two games, with the Hawks getting outscored in the paint 150-94 in those games, and with Anthony Davis controlling the area in the Los Angeles Lakers’ win on January 3.
So, when the Hawks go up against Jazz center Walker Kessler in tonight’s matchup, they should be taking more notes than they might already have.
They must be as informed as possible should they attempt to trade for him, and they should.
Walker Kessler here, breaking down last night’s block-to-bucket play for us. Class is now in session 👨🏫📽️#TakeNote | @NBA pic.twitter.com/zpxKXUzYY6
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 7, 2024
Kessler, a 23-year-old Atlanta native, is averaging 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season. Most encouragingly, though, he is averaging over 2.0 blockers per game for the third straight season to start his career and has even added the slight threat of a three-ball to his arsenal.
There is a strong belief that the Jazz will not trade him before the deadline on February 6, at least barring a significant trade offer.
This Heavy Sport trade proposal attempts to meet the Jazz’s rumored high asking price.
Hawks trade pitch lands Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
This is a steep price to pay in draft capital and a promising player like Okongwu (or De'Andre Hunter, whose salary would also satisfy league rules). The tradeoff from his offense to Kessler's defense could be worth it, though the latter is not as adept on the perimeter as the Hawks big man is.
Hopefully, including Okongwu in the deal would alleviate a need for more draft capital and vice versa.
If the Jazz insist on getting prospects back, the Hawks could try waiting until the offseason and include Kobe Bufkin. He must get healthy first, though.
The Jazz may very well hang up the phone. Kessler is a good young player and the interest in him reflects that. That should not dissuade the Hawks from putting the offer on the table before the trade deadline.
Utah is said to be open to moving Sexton over Kessler.
Their possession of the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick is rumored to be the reason a trade did not happen with LA during the 2024 offseason.
Adding Sexton would also be risky. He’s been a starter for the Jazz since the middle of December last season. He is still an experienced spark plug off the bench. But Sexton would pair nicely with whichever young reserve the Hawks kept – or both – if they were able to trade for him and Kessler.
It is at least worth a conversation, especially if Trae Young is going to remain at point guard.
Old Friend in Familiar Situation
This would have marked the third time the Hawks face former Atlanta first-round pick and star, John Collins. Collins, who is out for this game due to personal reasons, is one of the more notable former Hawks, the subject of drawn-out speculation during is tenure.
The Hawks ultimately traded him following the 2022-23 season.
They did not get much for him, allowing the $25.3 million trade exception created by dealing him away largely to expire, though they replaced it by trading Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans.
Collins finds himself in a similar position, joining Sexton and Jordan Clarkson – who would be another worthwhile target for the Hawks before the deadline – on the trade block. He was available last season and is still despite his play rebounding from the end of his Hawks tenure.
Collins is even shooting a career-best 43.4% from beyond the arc.
In another lifetime, it would make sense on paper to help the Jazz offload him. But that is not feasible for any number of reasons.
Injuries Galore
The Hawks and Jazz both enter this contest banged up. The Hawks are going to be without Jalen Johnson and Larry Nance Jr. in addition to Bufkin and Cody Zeller, who has not been with the team at any point this season.
For the Jazz, Clarkson, Collins, Keyonte George, and Taylor Hendricks are all out while Lauri Markkanen is listed as questionable.
That could make for some ugly ball on both sides, a tough draw in a late slot.