As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 6th, the Atlanta Hawks find themselves in an intriguing position. Currently sitting at 18-18, the team is ahead of preseason projections and within striking distance of the top five in the Eastern Conference. This puts the Hawks in a unique situation as potential buyers at the deadline, but with some important caveats to consider.
The Hawks’ primary focus this season has been on evaluating their roster for the long term. While winning now is certainly a priority, the team is also looking to set themselves up for future success. This means carefully considering any potential trades and how they might impact the team’s core of Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Dyson Daniels.
One of the most pressing needs for the Hawks is a backup point guard. The team has struggled mightily when Young is off the court, with turnovers skyrocketing and the offense losing its rhythm. Finding a competent ball-handler who can run the offense for 10-15 minutes a game could significantly raise the team’s floor and provide much-needed stability.
Another area of concern is depth at the power forward position. The Hawks have struggled when Jalen Johnson is not on the court, highlighting the need for a reliable backup. While De’Andre Hunter can slide to the four in certain lineups, having a true power forward to spell Johnson would give the team more flexibility and consistency.
From a salary cap perspective, the Hawks have some room to maneuver but are operating close to the luxury tax line. With about $1.28 million in room under the tax, any significant moves would likely require careful salary matching. The team has historically been reluctant to cross the tax threshold, so any potential trades will need to be weighed against this financial consideration.
As the deadline approaches, it’s clear that the Hawks are more likely to be buyers than sellers. However, any moves made should be with an eye toward the future, rather than short-term rentals. The goal should be to find players who can contribute both now and in the coming years, fitting alongside the team’s young core.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ trade deadline strategy, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Jimmy Butler doesn’t make sense as a potential Hawks target
• Most likely Hawks players to be traded
• Preview of upcoming game against the Utah Jazz
