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Atlanta Hawks: 3 trade possibilities for Jeremy Lin

By Quentin Haynes

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 11, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 11, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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2. Orlando Magic

Since the departure of Jameer Nelson, the Orlando Magic have been looking for a point guard. In the same breath, they’ve been bad since the departure of Dwight Howard. Sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, the Magic are four games out of the 8-seed. A point guard could be the upgrade needed to take a step forward.

Orlando is stuck between two eras. The previous regime’s rewards for rebuilding are slowly being phased out, while the current regime is currently banking on recent draft picks Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba. The owners, there for both stretches, could be looking for any sign of progress, even if that means a short playoff appearance.

Nikola Vucevic (20.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game) is playing at an All-Star level. Despite Aaron Gordon’s tendency to float in some games, he’s still averaging 15.8 points per game. Evan Fournier (14.8 points) and Terrence Ross (37.8 percent 3-point shooting) provide value on the perimeter.

There’s talent there that could be unlocked with a better lead guard.

Orlando is a middling offense, ranking 16th in the league in offensive efficiency, and Lin could certainly help that. In terms of trade compensation? It’s tough. Timofey Mozgov and his contract would almost have to go back, but the sweetener in that deal is the tricky part. Bamba and Isaac are off the table, but is a protected first round pick? I’m going to lean yes.

If I’m correct, second round picks could be in the fold as well as one of their young wing players. Wesley Iwundu has had some positive plays in spurts, but for the most part, has struggled in his sophomore season. Rookie guard/forward Melvin Frazier Jr. could be an interesting sweetener. The 22-year-old from Tulane has been in the G League, but could be a shot in the dark for wing depth.

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