Hawks Eye Big Moves: Proposed Mock Draft Trade Could Mean Shedding Burdensome Contract at a Hefty Price!

Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields would be wise to keep doing what he’s doing.

The Atlanta Hawks are far from in a rush to make moves.

Even if some fans are skeptical about the transition from the Dejounte Murray-Trae Young era to the new Trae Young & Co. phase, the Hawks have made it clear they’re not willing to trade just for the sake of making trades.

Take center Clint Capela, for example. He drew interest from the New Orleans Pelicans during the Murray trade discussion.

That’s why a recent suggestion from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps is unexpected.

During a mock expansion draft, Bontemps, acting as the faux general manager of a Las Vegas team, proposed a trade to the Hawks, led by former Brooklyn Nets executive Bobby Marks.

“De’Andre Hunter is unprotected,” Bontemps mentioned on “The Hoop Collective” podcast on September 19. “The Hawks have been looking to clear some salary for a while. You’ve got a Lakers pick, which is intriguing for the 2025 draft. I won’t ask for that outright, but how about De’Andre Hunter for the Kings’ first-round pick, which is top-12 protected and then top-10 protected? It’s likely to land in the teens, and this would save you a lot of money while allowing you to extend Jaylen Johnson and also land me a first-round pick.”

Marks agreed, which might have derailed the exercise.

Leaving Hunter unprotected in this situation could make sense. He’s been mentioned in trade rumors and could see his starting role at risk with rookie No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher joining the squad.

Moreover, Hunter’s hefty contract—in Year 2 of a four-year, $ 90 million deal—combined with his injury history makes him a less certain asset.

However, trading away draft picks to offload Hunter’s contract would be shortsighted.

While Hunter’s deficiencies are often highlighted, he was the No. 4 overall pick in 2019 and was the Hawks’ highest-drafted player until Risacher’s arrival. He’s been consistently solid, if not spectacular, and is capable of defending the opponent’s top perimeter player effectively when healthy.

Hunter has been the Hawks’ best two-way player for years, though that could change with the presence of Risacher and new addition Dyson Daniels. Despite their skills, neither player matches Hunter’s size, although Risacher is taller at 6-foot-10.

The Hawks also don’t control their own draft picks, which constrains their ability to stay competitive.

Giving up both picks and players contradicts that strategy.

The Hawks held onto John Collins for years despite trade rumors, ultimately rejecting a seemingly low return of an aging Rudy Gay and a conditional second-round pick. Now, Collins is back on the trade block with the Utah Jazz.

The same applies to Kevin Huerter, whose trade to the Sacramento Kings brought the Hawks the pick in question.

The Hawks made reasonable gains from the picks they got back when trading Murray, despite being in a deficit—surrendering four first-rounders while securing only two. Even then, they were cautious in seeking a suitable deal rather than reacting hastily.

Landry Fields, the Hawks’ general manager, has faced criticism for his moves since taking over, as well as those made prior to his tenure. He might just be a more astute operator than he’s being credited for. Perhaps.