The Atlanta Hawks are currently 3-5, which pretty much sums up their season so far: a mix of highs and lows. While boasting one of the league’s top offenses and Trae Young pouring in points consistently, their defense has been a massive weak point. Ranking near the bottom in points allowed per game, the Hawks are giving up an average of 121.7 points—a stat that’s been costing them close games and wins against stronger teams like the Thunder or Kings.
Their record reflects a team in need of tweaks, especially on the defensive end. If the Hawks want to break out of mediocrity, they’ll need more than just Trae’s scoring. A few strategic trades could bring in the missing pieces to push Atlanta from “maybe” to “playoff contender.”
A Jimmy Butler Trade
Potential Trade Offer:
Hawks receive: Jimmy Butler
Heat receive: De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lakers)
Jimmy Butler has solidified himself as one of the NBA’s most intense competitors, renowned for his playoff performances and defensive tenacity. Known for his clutch scoring and leadership, Butler is exactly the kind of player the Atlanta Hawks could use to break out of their current playoff slump. While he’s a cornerstone for the Heat, Butler and the team have yet to agree on a contract extension. His deal includes a player option but he’ll be an unrestricted free agent most likely. Given his age (35) and the Heat’s apparent reluctance to offer a long-term extension, trade rumors are swirling about potential destinations, with the Hawks emerging as a dark-horse candidate.
Butler’s current stats reflect a dip in his usual reliable production. This season, he’s putting up 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game over six outings. While these numbers are slightly below his career average, he remains an efficient scorer and a defensive asset who can still be a difference-maker, especially in high-stakes moments. His presence could allow the Hawks to get creative with Trae Young’s role, helping to reduce the star guard’s high usage rate and letting him play off the ball more frequently. This could preserve Young’s energy for late-game scenarios, where Butler’s clutch playmaking would add immense value.
For the Hawks, who have struggled to find consistent success in the postseason since their Eastern Conference Finals run in 2021, Butler could be the missing piece. The Hawks have lacked a true defensive leader and a secondary scorer who can reliably close games. Butler’s skill set would complement their young roster while adding a new layer of intensity that’s been missing. His ability to take on defensive assignments and his versatility on offense could elevate the Hawks from a first-round exit team to a legitimate playoff threat.
The proposed trade package of De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu, and a 2025 first-round pick could be just enough to entice Miami if they are going to lose Butler in the open market after all. For the Heat, the move would bring in two young, talented players with potential to grow. Hunter is a solid wing defender with offensive upside, while Okongwu has shown promise as an athletic big who could be developed further under Miami’s system. Additionally, the Lakers’ first-round pick gives the Heat flexibility to use in future trades or as part of a rebuild, depending on how their season unfolds.
While the loss of Hunter and Okongwu would be significant for the Hawks, Butler’s addition could have a transformative impact. He would instantly bolster their defensive presence and bring a playoff-proven mindset to a roster that’s struggled with consistency. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move, but for a team like Atlanta—hungry to make a deeper playoff run—it could be exactly what they need.
Another Young Piece With Desmond Bane
Potential Trade Offer:
Hawks receive: Desmond Bane
Grizzlies receive: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2025 First-Round Pick (Kings), 2025 First-Round Pick (Lakers)
The Grizzlies are off to a solid start this season, sitting at 4-4 and hanging around the 6th spot in the Western Conference. With Ja Morant playing at an elite level, the team’s offense has been clicking. Morant recently put on a show against the Bucks, racking up a triple-double with 26 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds, showing everyone he’s in top form. His intensity and leadership have been a huge boost, setting the pace for a Grizzlies squad looking to make noise this season.
Desmond Bane has also stepped up big-time. Averaging 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, Bane has become a crucial piece of the Grizzlies’ offense. His shooting keeps defenses on their toes, and he’s shown he can make plays when needed. Bane’s growth as a scorer and defender makes him a perfect fit for any team looking for a young, versatile player who can bring it on both ends of the floor. The Hawks, for instance, could use someone like Bane to add firepower and balance to their lineup.
If the Hawks make a move for Bane, they’d be getting a guy who perfectly complements Trae Young. Bane’s shooting would open up the floor, giving Young more room to work, while his defense would help shore up a backcourt that’s sometimes shaky on that end. Adding Bane to the mix would give the Hawks a legit two-way threat who can guard tough assignments and knock down shots, taking some of the load off Young.
On the flip side, the Grizzlies wouldn’t be walking away empty-handed. They’d be bringing in Clint Capela, a veteran center who’d instantly boost their defense and rebounding. Capela’s rim protection is elite, and pairing him with Jaren Jackson Jr. would make the Grizzlies’ frontcourt one of the toughest in the league. He’d help lock down the paint, which has been an issue for the team so far.
Then there’s Bogdanovic, who brings scoring punch and shooting versatility. Known for his ability to hit tough shots and create his own offense, Bogdanovic would be a nice scoring option off the bench or even as a starter when needed. His experience and playmaking would give the Grizzlies a reliable scoring boost, making their offense more unpredictable and harder to defend.
To sweeten the deal, the Hawks are also offering two first-round picks—one from Sacramento and one from the Lakers. These picks give the Grizzlies flexibility for the future, whether they want to draft young talent or use them in another trade down the road. Having those extra assets is huge for a team trying to build both for now and later, especially in a brutal Western Conference.
Sure, giving up Capela and Bogdanovic would be a hit for the Hawks, but landing Bane might be worth the cost. His shooting, defense, and potential to grow alongside Young could be just what they need to push to the next level. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies would get immediate contributors and extra draft capital, setting them up to stay competitive while keeping an eye on the future.
A Risky Bet On Kawhi’s Health
Potential Trade Offer:
Hawks receive: Kawhi Leonard
Clippers receive: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (Pelicans), 2030 First-Round Pick
Kawhi Leonard is undeniably one of the most skilled players in the NBA, but his career has been marked by a recurring theme: injuries. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, the Clippers are once again pinning their hopes on Kawhi’s health, especially now that Paul George has departed and Kawhi is the clear focal point of the team. After an offseason knee procedure, Leonard is expected to be available in the coming weeks, meaning he won’t be playing every game or back-to-backs once he comes back to activities, which caps his availability around 60 games if all goes well.
Last season, Kawhi had one of his best stretches of availability in years, playing 68 regular-season games, which is the most he’s played since 2017. He averaged an impressive 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting efficiently, earning him an All-NBA Second Team spot. Yet, his knee issues resurfaced toward the end of the season, and he was unable to contribute effectively in the playoffs. This cycle of peak performance followed by setbacks has left the Clippers in a tough spot, especially as they navigate a stacked Western Conference with a roster now lacking the depth it once had.
For the Hawks, betting on Kawhi could be a gamble with high rewards. His scoring ability, defensive skills, and championship experience make him an invaluable asset, especially for a team looking to make a serious playoff push. Kawhi’s efficient shooting and ability to take over games would complement Trae Young’s playmaking, giving the Hawks a true two-way superstar who could elevate them in high-stakes moments. The risk, of course, is Kawhi’s health—there’s no guarantee he’ll be available when the team needs him most.
The Clippers, on the other hand, would receive a substantial haul in this trade. Clint Capela would become a top trade target for other teams, as the Clippers could get even more draft compensation out of the deal. Additionally, Bogdan Bogdanovic would add valuable scoring depth and shooting, giving the Clippers more offensive options to support their rotation without Kawhi.
Larry Nance Jr. would add further versatility with his ability to defend multiple positions and his knack for high-energy plays. His experience and hustle could help the Clippers maintain a competitive edge, especially on nights when they’re missing one of their primary stars. The two first-round picks included in the deal (2027 and 2030) would also give the Clippers long-term assets, providing flexibility to either develop young talent or use as leverage in future trades as they navigate an uncertain future.
For the Hawks, this trade represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Kawhi’s skill set could be the missing piece that transforms them into a legitimate contender, but his availability will always be a question mark. Meanwhile, for the Clippers, this deal would allow them to regroup with solid players and future picks, creating a foundation that could serve them well if they decide to pivot toward a more sustainable rebuild.
High-Risk, High-Reward Trade For Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Offer:
Hawks receive: Zach LaVine
Bulls receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Larry Nance Jr., Garrison Mathews, 2030 First-Round Pick
Zach LaVine’s future with the Bulls has been a hot topic lately, with trade rumors heating up as Chicago decides whether to fully commit to a rebuild. After a rocky 2023-24 season where he struggled with a right foot injury, LaVine’s stock dipped. He played only 25 games before needing surgery, averaging 19.5 points on respectable shooting splits but falling short of his usual explosive output. Now back in action, LaVine is aiming to re-establish his value, but the Bulls are reportedly still open to dealing him if the right offer comes along.
LaVine’s contract is a sticking point for many teams; he’s currently in the second year of a five-year, $215 million deal, which includes a hefty player option for the 2026-27 season. With his injury history and defensive limitations, committing to LaVine long-term is a gamble. However, his scoring ability and athleticism still make him an attractive piece for teams looking to add firepower, especially since he’s proven he can put up big numbers when healthy. This season, he’s shown flashes of his old form, averaging 22.7 points per game and giving the Bulls a solid offensive option, even as trade whispers persist.
The Bulls’ offseason saw them shedding some key players like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, signaling that they might finally be ready to pivot toward a younger, more flexible roster. LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have been at the center of trade rumors as the Bulls explore ways to move on from their expensive veteran core.
For the Hawks, LaVine could bring much-needed scoring and athleticism to a roster already anchored by Trae Young. Pairing LaVine with Young would give the Hawks a dynamic duo capable of torching defenses on any given night. LaVine’s three-level scoring and ability to create his own shot would take some pressure off Young, allowing the Hawks to space the floor and run a more versatile offense. But there’s a downside—LaVine’s defensive issues mean the Hawks would need to make up for it elsewhere in their lineup to stay balanced.
If the Bulls accept this package, they’d be getting a mix of role players and future assets that fit well with a rebuild. Bogdan Bogdanovic brings valuable shooting and playmaking, while Larry Nance Jr. offers defensive versatility and hustle. Garrison Mathews adds shooting depth, which could be helpful for a Bulls team that’s been inconsistent from beyond the arc. Plus, the 2030 first-round pick would give the Bulls some future draft capital to keep building around younger players and potential stars down the line.
Trading LaVine would be a big move for both sides. For the Hawks, it’s a bold shot at adding a proven scorer to push them deeper into the playoffs. For the Bulls, it’s a step toward a fresh start, allowing them to shift gears and prioritize flexibility and development. Whether LaVine finally leaves Chicago might depend on whether the Bulls are ready to lower their asking price—or if the Hawks are ready to go all-in on a player with both superstar potential and significant risk.
