Five Players the Hawks Must Pursue at Trade Deadline

The Atlanta Hawks must prioritize five players at the NBA trade deadline.

The NBA trade deadline is now just three days away. Time is running out for the Atlanta Hawks to upgrade their roster, and yesterday's blockbuster trade involving Kyrie Irving only makes matters more pressing.

Yesterday afternoon we listed five players Atlanta must avoid at the trade deadline. Upon popular request, we have listed five players Atlanta should target before Thursday afternoon's trade deadline. Our top priorities include acquiring players who can lead a young locker room, play defense, and shoot from outside.

Gary Trent Jr.

De'Andre Hunter defends Gary Trent Jr / ohn E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Gary Trent Jr. is by far the youngest player on our list of players Atlanta must target. Trent just turned 24 years old and is on the Toronto Raptors' books through the 2023-24 NBA season for $18 million per year.

The undersized wing has improved on defense each year and would immediately become the best outside shooter on Atlanta's roster. Trent averages 18.7 points per game and shoots 37.3% from behind the arc.

Acquiring Trent would not be a cheap endeavor for Atlanta. His future contract aside, Atlanta would have to part with Bogdan Bogdanovic and other assets. But the upside would be worth it.

Alec Burks

Alec Burks looks on during a game / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons shooting guard Alec Burks is criminally underused by head coach Dwane Casey. Burks averages 13.4 points in 22 minutes of action per game. The veteran shooting guard is shooting 43.6% from deep and is a competent defender.

At 31 years old, Burks has played in 22 playoff games and would most likely prefer playing for a contender over waiting out a rebuild. Burks has one more year remaining on his contract at roughly $10.5 million. Atlanta has the contracts and the assets required to consummate this deal.

Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield dribbles past Bogdan Bogdanovic / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

For years, Hawks fans have dreamed of an all-Oklahoma backcourt consisting of Trae Young and Buddy Hield. Around this time, Hield's name gets loosely linked to Atlanta every year. At a certain point, it starts to feel inevitable.

Hield is on Indiana's books for another year at roughly $18.5 million. Hield is a starter in Indiana but would be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in Atlanta. Everyone knows that Hield can fill it up from outside, averaging 17.4 points per game and hitting 42.8% from deep.

Hield is an average defender but an offensive threat that could alter a playoff series. It is a shame that he has never played in a playoff game, and it's time to change that this spring.

Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder yells during a game / Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports

Jae Crowder and the Phoenix Suns have been at a standoff all season long. The 32-year-old is owed $10.1 million this season before hitting unrestricted free agency. Despite his age, Crowder can still defend multiple positions and provide floor spacing.

Trading for Crowder would be risky as Phoenix wants a significant haul in return, and there is no guarantee he doesn't leave in free agency this summer. But then again, trading for a veteran player on an expiring contract is a big-boy move that championship contenders make all the time.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant and Trae Young hug after a game / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Landing Kevin Durant would be a major longshot. The Brooklyn Nets actually improved by trading Irving. They boosted their defense and opened up some cap space to make moves this summer.

Nevertheless, whenever there is the slightest chance that a superstar like Durant possibly becomes available, it's worth throwing a hail mary. Especially given Durant's longtime friendship with the Young family dating back to their days in Oklahoma City.

The 34-year-old is on a supermax deal through the 2025-26 season. If Atlanta somehow acquired Durant, it would require a total remodeling of the roster to facilitate such a top-heavy dynamic. However, opportunities like this rarely come along and are always worth a shot.