Will Barton
Through the years, Will Barton has been a really solid and consistent player for the Nuggets on the wing, but he has dealt with his fair share of injuries. When he is healthy, he is definitely an x-factor for the Nuggets and could be an impact player for the Hawks to add.
With Michael Porter Jr. being out for Denver since December 29th due to COVID-related issues, Will Barton has been inserted back into the Nuggets starting lineup and he has stepped up. In 19 appearances, Barton has averaged 10.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.8 steals and is shooting 41.1% from the floor, 35.6% from three-point range.
The 30-year old wing has always been known to be a reliable three-point shooter, as he has averaged 34.7% from deep over the course of his career, but it is the improvements he has made on the defensive side of the ball that has made him a valuable asset.
Barton has been getting better and better on the defensive end of the court, which is what makes him an interesting trade target for the Hawks. At full-strength, the Hawks have a solid amount of depth on the wing with De’Andre Hunter, Danilo Gallinari, Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter, but there is no timetable for Gallinari’s return and Barton is a pretty versatile player.
He is comfortable with or without the ball in his hands and can pretty much play any position on the court due to his versatility and toughness. Atlanta could trade for him at the NBA trade deadline, but he is set to become a free agent in the offseason if he declines his player option.
Seeing that the Hawks have a playoff caliber roster and they do not want to shake things up yet, they may wait to pursue Barton until he is a free agent. Whatever they decide to do, Will Barton should definitely be on the Hawks radar as an impact veteran player on the wing.
