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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks

The latest reports broke on Tuesday that the Atlanta Hawks are leaning towards breaking up their core. That includes trading their three All-Stars from the 2014-15 season in Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver, according to ESPN.com. What does this mean going forward for the Hawks?

Following their best season in franchise history, the Hawks are going to break up their core. Part of the reasoning behind it is the fact that Al Horford will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. If Horford were to leave Atlanta, they would have to turn to Paul Millsap as their best player, which isn’t a bad thing. But with at least 10 players likely returning, it’s best to get something valuable and deal Horford.

Related Story: NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Landing Spots For Jeff Teague

With the decision to deal Horford, it makes it easier to trade away Korver and Teague, who both have one year left on their contracts following this season. It also allows the Hawks to develop their 2013 first round pick, Dennis Schroder.

The Hawks need to build around Schroder and Millsap. Adding Victor Oladipo would be a step in the right direction. He has reportedly been in discussions for Teague, according to the New York Daily News. One would think there would be more to that deal, but that information hasn’t been disclosed.

Acquiring Oladipo would set up the Hawks to retool nicely with Schroder in the backcourt. The Hawks would need to turn their focus on a defensive-minded center or a center that can play in the post. With Millsap’s abilities as a face-up power forward, a player that can play around the paint would be best suited for Atlanta.

Rumors aside, the Hawks need to make sure they can get a maximum return on Horford and Teague. Since Korver is having the worst shooting season since the 2008-09 season, his value is pretty low. The Hawks need to find a player that can score on the wing and a center that can play in the post and protect the rim. It’s important for their rebuild to get a maximum return in trades, regardless of what they get.

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