Moderators: dms269, HMFFL, Jamaaliver
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It is not surprising that other teams are apparently interested considering Ayton is just 23 years old and coming off a season in which he averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 63.4 percent from the floor. He is also playoff-tested and helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals just last season.
Jokic would be ideal. However, he's going to sign for what will be close to $300 million and kill his career success. Porter is a joke who even when healthy isn't good.tbhawksfan1 wrote:Easy answer: Joker. Trae becomes #2 and the Hawks win titles. As for the C's in your poll...I would consider Ayton depending on the trade compensation and his next contract.
I'm not even thinking about the others
Bleacher ReportTrae Young Plus Defense Equals Success
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz Receive: Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, No. 16 pick, 2024 first-round pick (top-five protected)
The Atlanta Hawks followed up their 2021 trip to the Eastern Conference Finals with a 43-39 record and a thorough first-round thrashing at the hands of the Miami Heat. Anyone who watched the Heat defense fixate on Trae Young and dare any other Hawk to score could rightly conclude that Atlanta's dynamic lead guard needs help from a second star on offense.
The greater, more foundational need is on the other end of the floor. Atlanta has ranked in the bottom five on D in four of the last five seasons, with 2020-21's No. 17 ranking the lone just-barely-respectable outlier.
In moving Bogdanovic to solve their defensive issues, the Hawks get into Whac-a-Mole territory. Bogdanovic was key to alleviating another longstanding issue with the team, its lack of a reliable creator with Young off the floor. This deal presumes replacement secondary playmakers are easier to find than a transformative interior force with three DPOY trophies on his mantle—which seems like a safe bet.
The Hawks might have to sweeten the deal, and Utah should insist on De'Andre Hunter's inclusion. The Jazz are as low on quality wing defenders as Atlanta is, and the downgrade from Gobert to Capela will only make that shortcoming more damaging. The Hawks should respond to requests for additional assets by floating Kevin Huerter or more draft equity instead.
Both teams' feelings about Gobert's contract will be key. He's owed $169.7 million over the next four years (player option in 2025-26), a hefty sum for a guy who'll be 33 in the last season of the deal. But with the Gobert-Donovan Mitchell rift such a constant source of chatter, maybe the Jazz would be less inclined to carry that contract than the Hawks.
If Utah is set on splitting its stars, it could do a lot worse than adding legitimate draft equity and two cheaper starting-caliber players—and that's if it can't convince the Hawks to add some throw-ins. Plus, how can you turn down the chance to corner the market on Bogdanovics?
Atlanta has alternatives. It could bank on Onyeka Okongwu being ready to slide in as a superior defensive replacement for Capela. Dealing Capela and/or Huerter for a defensive upgrade on the wing would be an option in that scenario. But Young is one of the game's elite offensive engines, and the Hawks need to support him on the other end—right now.
There might not be a single player in the league who'd elevate Atlanta's defense as quickly and substantially as Gobert.
atlantabbq99 wrote:I have Anthony Davis at 1a. and Ayton as 1b. Either guy would help out Trae alot
Jamaaliver wrote:A number of All Star caliber big men could be on the move this summer. I'm curious which one(s) you guys believe would work best as the second franchise pillar next to Trae.
- Rudy Gobert
- Ben Simmons
- Anthony Davis
- Deandre Ayton
- Clint Capela
- Pascal Siakam
- Zion
- James Wiseman
Am I missing any top big men mentioned in trade rumors?
Is there anyone else you'd like us to pursue?
How much are you willing to pay for any of these guys
saloonyk8 wrote:Jamaaliver wrote:A number of All Star caliber big men could be on the move this summer. I'm curious which one(s) you guys believe would work best as the second franchise pillar next to Trae.
- Rudy Gobert
- Ben Simmons
- Anthony Davis
- Deandre Ayton
- Clint Capela
- Pascal Siakam
- Zion
- James Wiseman
Am I missing any top big men mentioned in trade rumors?
Is there anyone else you'd like us to pursue?
How much are you willing to pay for any of these guys
I don't think Siakam or Zion will be available but those would be my first two choices.
Then I take Ayton due age, health, 3 pt and D ability
D21 wrote:Turner would allow to go after Simmons if he's available. I'm not really wanting Simmons in the actual context, but with a C that can shoot 3pts, it's a whole different thing
atlantabbq99 wrote:^ I'm ok with Bamba but i really want Jalen Smith. Before i said Jalen was the best big man prospect in his draft class and i'm still sticking with that. Smith will probably want to find a team that will give him a starting spot but if none are available to him, I would love it if he would backup Cap.
atlantabbq99 wrote:^ I'm ok with Bamba but i really want Jalen Smith. Before i said Jalen was the best big man prospect in his draft class and i'm still sticking with that. Smith will probably want to find a team that will give him a starting spot but if none are available to him, I would love it if he would backup Cap.
Mitchell Robinson, Nic Claxton and Dwight Howard are other guys the Hawks should look at instead of Bamba.
Bleacher ReportESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the latest Friday:
"From what I have been told, the Pelicans, at this point, are not willing to offer a full five-year guaranteed deal. And a lot of it is flowing down from ownership. Gayle Benson, the owner, is also the owner of the New Orleans Saints. And I have been told they're gonna take a football-style, Saints-style mentality with this contract negotiation. They will offer him a huge contract but will not guarantee all of it."
A max contract for Williamson could be worth at least $180 million over five years, but Windhorst projected closer to $100 million in guaranteed money. It could be structured similarly to the deal Joel Embiid signed with the Philadelphia 76ers early in 2017, which included triggers for games played to guarantee the money.
Williamson has played just 85 games in his first three NBA seasons, missing all of 2021-22 because of a foot injury.
Bleacher ReportNo-Brainer Trade Target for Every NBA Team
Atlanta Hawks: Rudy Gobert
Why They Need Him
The Atlanta Hawks defense has ranked 26th or worse in four of the past five seasons, essentially giving back all the gains Trae Young gets them on the other end. There are other ways to address such a glaring area of weakness, like by seeking out multiple wing and guard defenders. But the quickest fix would involve the addition of a three-time DPOY in the middle.
Young is among the league's singular offensive forces, the rare class of player whose mere presence on the floor all but guarantees a quality offense. Gobert is the same type of difference-maker on the other end.
Can They Get Him?
The Hawks can package a number of their low- and mid-priced wings and forwards, plus Clint Capela and draft considerations in an offer for Gobert. And it doesn't hurt that the long history of reported strife between Gobert and Donovan Mitchell may put the Utah Jazz in a position where they're willing to accept a little less than full value in the interest of improved team chemistry.
Add to that Gobert's daunting contract, which will pay him $169.7 million over the next four years (player option on the fourth) and the Hawks should have a legitimate shot to pull this off. Utah shouldn't want any part of that $46.7 million salary in 2025-26.
