The Atlanta Hawks made significant roster changes on NBA trade deadline day, sending DeAndre Hunter to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bogdan Bogdanović to the Los Angeles Clippers. These moves have sparked controversy and debate among Hawks fans, but the team also brought in a trio of rotation-level pieces.
The trade of Hunter to Cleveland is particularly contentious. Hunter, having his best season to date, was the Hawks’ second-leading scorer. However, the decision to move him stems from a complex set of factors. A league source revealed that as recently as September, the Hawks would have been excited to make this trade without any draft picks involved. This insight highlights the dramatic shift in Hunter’s perceived value over the course of the season.
The rationale behind trading Hunter appears to be a calculated risk by the Hawks’ front office. They seem to be “shorting” Hunter, believing his current performance may not be sustainable long-term. Factors such as his injury history and contract situation likely played a role in this decision.
In return for Hunter, the Hawks received Caris LeVert and George Niang from the Cavaliers. While neither player matches Hunter’s current production, they bring depth and specific skills to the roster. LeVert offers versatility as a wing player with improved defensive capabilities, while Niang provides much-needed shooting from the power forward position.
The Bogdanović Trade
The trade sending Bogdanović to the Clippers was less surprising but still significant. In exchange, the Hawks acquired Terance Mann, a defensive-minded player who fits the team’s apparent strategy of surrounding Trae Young with long, athletic defenders. “Terance is someone we’ve liked as a player and person for a long time,” said Hawks GM Landry Fields. “He competes at a high level and is a legitimate two-way player who will add to our group.”
This move also represents a shift in the Hawks’ approach to asset management. In the past, they’ve been criticized for holding onto players too long and missing optimal trade windows. By moving Bogdanović now, they’re attempting to maximize his value before a potential decline.
The Hawks’ deadline day moves have reshaped the roster and created financial flexibility for the future. While the immediate reaction from fans has been mixed, the true impact of these trades will only be clear in the coming months and years.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ trade deadline moves, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Detailed player profiles of newly acquired Hawks
• Salary cap implications of the trades
• Trae Young’s future with the Hawks and potential extension talks
