With the Atlanta Hawks trading Jeff Teague on Wednesday to the Indiana Pacers as a part of a three-team deal, is another trade on the horizon after receiving the 12th pick from Utah?
ESPN’s Marc Stein tweeted on Wednesday that the Atlanta Hawks aren’t done just yet, and are looking to move both the 12th and the 21st pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
The Hawks are unlikely to find a franchise changing talent with the 12th pick in the draft, making this all the more probable. Wednesday’s trade of Jeff Teague signaled change was coming to Atlanta, and that the Hawks were going to shake things up.
It was long speculated — especially over the past month — that Teague was on his way out of Atlanta. With the rise of Dennis Schroder and his play in the postseason, the writing was on the wall that Teague would be leaving the Hawks.
ESPN sources say that the Hawks are now shopping both No. 12 and No. 21 in tomorrow night's draft
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 22, 2016
A few weeks ago, the Hawks discussed a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers which would have sent Teague to Philadelphia in exchange for Nerlens Noel and other ancillary pieces.
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That trade never came to fruition; but in receiving the 12th pick from the Utah Jazz in this deal, it gives the Hawks more maneuverability in potentially drafting a young, impact player in the 2016 draft.
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With yet another quick postseason exit at the hands of the World Champion Cleveland Cavaliers in May, it’s clear that the Hawks need to shuffle the deck. As the team was currently constituted, there was no way they were getting past Cleveland anytime soon.
Also, with Atlanta unlikely to sign a superstar level talent in free agency this season, the draft is the best option to improve, but to get younger and build for the future.
Atlanta needs a franchise changing talent, which is unlikely to be found at that point in the first round. At 12, the Hawks have a shot at a fringe lottery pick, but the most likely scenario is that the Hawks are not quite done dealing yet.
Perhaps president of basketball operations (and head coach) Mike Budenholzer has his eyes set on moving up even more in the draft by packaging the 12th and 21st picks.
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Who could the Hawks be targeting should they move up even more? It could be Oklahoma standout Buddy Hield.
Hield’s excellent shooting coupled with his maturity would be a match made in heaven for the superstar-thirsty Hawks, and would fit seamlessly into Budenholzer’s system.
The Hawks need a wing that can hit the big shot; and the national semifinal not withstanding, Buddy Hield fits the bill.
Hield is likely to be selected within the top six, meaning the Hawks would have to get creative to move up that high.
Of course, the Hawks could still roll with the 12th pick and try to take a stretch forward like Domantas Sabonis (if he’s still available), who also would fit the system nicely. This however would not address the biggest problem for the Hawks, which is finding a star.
Another option for the Hawks is to package their draft picks to trade for a young, impact veteran.
The Hawks traded their draft pick a season ago, receiving Tim Hardaway Jr. from the New York Knicks, showing they aren’t afraid to jettison their draft picks.
If the team does decide to part with their two picks, that also affords Atlanta more cap space to give to Al Horford or another max-level free agent.
With the team plateauing, and Teague’s expiring contract, this was the perfect time to make a move to improve the Hawks.
While many may consider Wednesday’s trade as a sign that the Hawks are now in selling mode, I do not believe that is the case.
Atlanta no longer needed Teague with the rise of Dennis Schroder. Sending Teague to his hometown of Indianapolis was the best possible breakup.
With it now clear that the Hawks are shopping both of their first round picks, they have a great chance to improve their team very quickly through a variety of different means.
Next: NBA Trade Grades: Teague To Pacers, Hill To Jazz In 3-Team Deal
Whether it’s through the draft, receiving an impact player in return, or simply allocating more cap space, the Hawks had to do something. The status quo was not cutting it.