Apr 19, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) is guarded against Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier (12) near the Atlanta Hawks logo in the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 89-72. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
As they try to decide what to do with the top overall pick in this year’s draft, another interesting scenario may also be on the table for the Atlanta Hawks.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported this week that the Hawks are expected to make forward De’Andre Hunter available in trade talks both before and after the NBA Draft. Siegel adds that Atlanta is also making center Clint Capela available for trade, which had been reported earlier.
The 26-year-old Hunter, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 draft, is a long and talented piece. He averaged 15.6 points per game on 38.5 percent three-point shooting this season (both career bests) and is known a dynamic defender at 6-foot-8 with nimble feet and a 7-foot-2 wingspan. But Hunter is now about to enter his sixth season and has yet to develop into anything more than a No. 4 or No. 5 scorer in Atlanta.
With the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, the Hawks can target exciting frontcourt pieces like Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. 22-year-old Jalen Johnson, who is coming off a breakout year, is also on the Atlanta roster, and there could even be a surprise choice brewing for the Hawks at No. 1.
But all those permutations would mean Atlanta having far less room to work with at Hunter’s position. That is why it makes sense for them to consider trading Hunter, who is still owed about $70 million through 2027.
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