Golden State Warriors: 5 Potential Trade Targets
2. Atlanta Hawks
Perhaps we’re getting a bit too optimistic here, but if the Atlanta Hawks are really considering blowing up their core at the trade deadline, perhaps someone like Tiago Splitter could be available too.
Al Horford and Jeff Teague are the primary names that have been mentioned as being on the trade block, but perhaps a package of Thompson, Clark and a future first-rounder would be enough for Splitter?
For the Warriors, they’d be getting the backup center they need in the wake of Ezeli’s knee injury, someone who could thrive in a backup role or even take over the starting job if Bogut is banged up as well. Splitter is only averaging 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game, but his value extends far beyond the stat sheet — something a team like the Warriors can appreciate.
For the 341st time, the Hawks gave up virtually nothing to acquire Tiago Splitter. It was a home run deal at the time and still is.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) February 8, 2016
With Ezeli being a restricted free agent this summer and Bogut coming off the books next summer, Splitter would also be under contract through 2017-18, giving the Dubs options at the center position moving forward.
However, one lede that shouldn’t be buried in this discussion is that Splitter is currently injured as well. He’s missed Atlanta’s last five games with a hip injury and is getting a second opinion on it. Splitter won’t be back on the floor until after the All-Star Break, which makes it difficult to envision the Warriors trading for him before the Feb. 18 deadline.
From Atlanta’s perspective, this deal would only make sense if the front office wants to blow the team up. Splitter would only be that much more valuable in the event of a Horford trade, so unless it’s Teague that’s on the way out, the Hawks would have no use for Clark in the backcourt. A first-rounder would make things interesting, but there’s no guarantee Atlanta would bite on a deal like this.
Next: No. 1