Atlanta Hawks Become a Title Contender...

[pja123]

If the Hawks are prepared to give JJ $120 million over 6 years, then they better be ready to make the moves necessary to win a title. I think these proposed deals help them in that endeavor...

Trade no.1 (between Atlanta, New Orleans, & OKC)

Hawks get:
Chris Paul
Emeka Okafor

Hornets get:
Josh Smith
Jamal Crawford
Eric Maynor
Nick Collison
2011 1st round pick (from OKC, from their treasure trove of picks)

Thunder get:
David West

WHY IT COULD WORK FOR THE HAWKS:
Obvious. They create the best backcourt in the league with Paul and Johnson. That duo would be sick-nasty. Yes, they deal away the dynamic Smoove, but this allows them to shift Horford down to the 4 spot (his natural position). They get Okafor, who has a big contract, but at least he's a legit center who plays solid defense.

WHY IT COULD WORK FOR THE HORNETS:
This deal saves the Hornets a TON of money while also getting an exciting player to build with in Josh Smith. But I'd imagine Shinn does this primarily for the cap savings. Crawford and Collison both have big expiring contracts that will get New Orleans plenty of financial flexibility in the future.
HORNETS LINE-UP:
PG-Collison/Maynor
SG-Crawford/Thornton
SF-Stojackavic/Posey
PF-Smoove/Wright
C-Collison/Free Agent

WHY IT COULD WORK FOR THE THUNDER:
West is an all-star caliber PF who would fit perfectly into their system. He's a consistent 20ppg scorer and pretty good rebounder. Best of all, they don't deal away anyone from their core.
THUNDER LINE-UP:
PG-Westbrook/Free Agent (Ridnour, Alston, Farmar, etc.)
SG-Harden/Sefolosha/Cook
SF-Durant/Green/Peterson
PF-West/Ibaka/White
C-Kristic/Aldrich/Mullens


Trade no.2 (between Atlanta & Charlotte)

Hawks get:
Stephen Jackson
Alexis Ajinca

Cats get:
Mike Bibby
Mo Evans

WHY IT COULD WORK FOR THE HAWKS:
Jax gives the Hawks a more dependable offensive threat at the 3 spot. An offensive trio of Paul, JJ, and Jax would definitely be one of the best in the East. This also allows us to bring Marvin off the bench to help replace the offense lost by dealing JC.

WHY IT COULD WORK FOR THE CATS:
They could use a starting PG since Felton is probably headed elsewhere. Bibby is a steady, dependable PG who would fit nicely in Brown's system. This saves them money in the long run and opens up more PT for Henderson at the 2G position.
CATS LINE-UP:
PG-Bibby/Augistine
SG-Henderson/Evans
SF-Wallace/FA
PF-Diaw/FA
C-Mohammed/Chandler/Diop


FREE AGENCY:
Sign Tony Allen - 2 years/5 million
why?
Good off-the-bench scorer and weakens our competition.

Sign Craig Smith - 2 year/5 million
why?
Quality backup PF who will probably get overlooked in this free agent market.



NEW HAWKS ROSTER:

PG-Chris Paul/Jeff Teague
SG-Joe Johnson/Tony Allen/Jordan Crawford
SF-Stephen Jackson/Marvin Williams
PF-Al Horford/Craig Smith/Alexis Ajinca
C-Emeka Okafor/Zaza Pachulia

-I think this team can challenge the Celtics and any other Eastern Conference foe. The backcourt of CP3 and JJ, as mentioned earlier, would be the best in the league and the backup combo of Teague and Allen isn't bad either. I think Horford's production could also spike now that he is at his natural PF position and we will get more offensive production at the 3 spot with Jax starting and bringing Marv off the bench.

[evildallas]

The first trade is good. The 2nd trade is iffy. The Bobcats just give up on Captain Jack for spare parts after enjoying their best season so far. I don't buy it. I don't hate your free agent moves, but I like the idea of pursuing Brad Miller more. Miller would be a legit backup C while Zaza and Marvin can both contribute at PF. I'm assuming he'd need paired with a minimum dollar free agent for swingman help off the bench.

[parson]

Post the 1st 'un on the NO board. The idea of the Hornets liking Smoove/Crawford (plus losing Okafor's contract) is something I've been thinking about, as well.

[Harry10]

Horford, Crawford, Bibby, and Zaza for Paul and Okafor?
resign Joe?

Okafor/Smith/Marvin/Joe/Paul

i think the Hornets owner wants Horford's contract more than Smoove's contract

maybe NOH might buy out Crawford and let him come back to ATL

[D21]

I agree that the first one is build on what could be interesting for NOH.
Not sure, but at least it has to be tried.

I don't see the second one happening.
Even if he eats maybe too much shots, Jackson brought a leadership on the scoring in CHA, something they won't leave like that.

I am also more to spend the MLE on Brad Miller, or even Shaq than split it, and then use the BAE for a 2M guy.

And we can still get something from Childress if they really want to spend.
Don't let him walk for nothing or a second round.

The best would be that Marvin would be included in a trade because it give the possibility of Childress playing starting SF. This way you can match his offer, and he will play as hard as he can, more than if you match but still use him from the bench.
I know there is people not wanting him back, but if it doesn't work and that Childress doesn't bring new things even under the new system, we can trade him starting Dec 15th.

If they really want to spend, they can.

[jagstang76]

I love the idea of getting Paul and Okafor. I'd gladly give Smoove up for that starting lineup. Paul and JJ would be absolutely sick! Marvin would likely remain a 4th option, but would be an ideal compliment in my mind over Jax. He can be a solid outside shooter that Paul can easily get involved, and he provides solid defense as well. We could potentially bring back Chill as he would be awesome off the bench for JJ or Marvin. Okafor, while he hasn't reached the potential everyone expected, would be an ideal C next to Horford. He and Horford would likely give Howard fits. And if NOH did buy out Jamal's contract, it would be great to bring him back. All this would be able to challenge anyone for a championship. Sund, please work some magic!

[game1]

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