The Atlanta Hawks may have had one of the strangest trade deadlines of any team and that’s saying something. In the midst of a surprisingly competitive season, they decided to trade De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, two of their better scorers. In fact, the Hawks 11-6 when Hunter scored at least 20 points. With a win percentage (.647) that would rank fourth in the East and third in the West, he was clearly essential to their success.
Had they managed to bring in a player of Brandon Ingram‘s caliber, the sacrifices would’ve been more feasible. Hunter is a crafty scorer but Ingram even more so. That’s why he’s averaged at least 20 points per game over the last six seasons and Hunter has yet to accomplish that feat. However, the New Orleans Pelicans have traded Ingram to the Toronto Raptors, where him becoming the No. 1 option might give them their best chance of maximizing their talent.
He may not have gotten that chance in Atlanta. In fact, the primary reason Hunter started coming off the bench was because it made it easier for him to be aggressive offensively.
Hawks Were Among Trade Deadline Suitors For Suns’ Kevin Durant
Interestingly, the Hawks had even greater ambition than acquiring Ingram, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. With the Phoenix Suns considering moving Kevin Durant to spice up their roster, Atlanta was among the teams that came calling about the league legend. It’s unclear whether Hunter or Bogdanovic would’ve ended up with the Suns had they requested a trade. Though, it is notable that Bogdanovic was drafted by the Suns in 2014.
“Though Kevin Durant still has not requested a trade, multiple teams are being aggressive in their efforts to acquire him from the Phoenix Suns, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Among the teams trying to land Durant is the Atlanta Hawks, sources said.”
The idea of Durant with the Hawks is so surreal it seems like a fantasy. Considering the fact that Atlanta was unable to acquire him from Phoenix, maybe it is. Nonetheless, it’s the type of move that would’ve altered the course of the franchise in the immediate future and over time.
No. 1 Option, Title-Contender
In the short-term, Durant probably would’ve been the Hawks’ No. 1 option, even with Trae Young acting as the primary playmaker. He’s just that good. Able to score in every conceivable way, he’s averaged 27.2 points per game on .501-.387-.882 shooting splits in his storied career.
For reference, Young has scored 25.3 points per game on .433-.353-.871 shooting splits during his career. The Oklahoma product is an offense unto himself, especially with his passing ability. Nevertheless, Durant scores at a higher volume and is much more efficient, possessing better size and touch.
Comparisons aside, having both Young and Durant would be tough for any defense to cover. Having Jalen Johnson in the fold would’ve made them all the more formidable. A 23-year-old on an All-Star trajectory, he helps act as a connector on offense and takes on tough defensive assignments. It usually takes more than just a couple of stars to win a championship. However, a duo with that much skill –let alone the entire trio –would be considered title-contenders.
Making Another Pass
Disconcerted by the Suns’ willingness to trade him, Durant’s future with the organization is in a relatively precarious place. If so, perhaps the Hawks can make another pass at him this offseason. They now have much less to offer Phoenix in a trade. Still, the team’s decision to trade away two of the top players in their rotation for lesser talents is the very reason why acquiring Durant might be the only way to cement Young’s future in Atlanta.
Nowadays, stars have no qualms about leaving a franchise that isn’t competitive enough. With that being said, Young’s now 26 years old. In fact, he’ll be 27 years old at the start of next season. He’s surely not trying to waste his prime on a can’t-get-right team.
At some point, the rubber has to meet the road. Where that leads Young could come down to whether they can swing a trade for Durant (or some other All-Star).
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