Impact Of Cam Reddish Trade
The move to trade Cam Reddish was definitely shocking to some, especially since he ranked fourth on the team in scoring and third in three-point shooting percentage (min. 100 attempts), but the young wing had asked for a trade dating back to this past offseason.Â
According to The Athletic, Reddish requested out “several months ago,” hence why the Atlanta Hawks were probably looking to move him for a lottery-pick ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft. At only 22-years-old and in the third year of his rookie contract, it is shocking to see Cam Reddish request a trade, but he simply did not want to be in Atlanta any longer than he had to be.Â
Now, after moving Reddish to New York, the Hawks turn their attention to other possible moves ahead of the trade deadline. Adding another star is going to be pivotal for this team if they are to make the playoffs and still be a real contending threat, which is why Ben Simmons is the name popping up the most in Atlanta.Â
The Hawks exposed Ben Simmons in the playoffs last season, ultimately resulting in the Philadelphia 76ers’ demise, but sources tell NBA Analysis Network that there is a “significant amount of interest” in Simmons within this Hawks’ front-office, but there is a level of concern about his availability right away and his durability the rest of the season.Â
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS:Â One Trade To Land Ben Simmons With Hawks After Reddish Trade
Given the Hawks struggles defensively, Ben Simmons could come in and be a key contributor in a perfect world, but this truly would be an “all or nothing” move by the Hawks. Simmons is owed $33M this season and $146.6M through the end of the 2024-25 season, so should Atlanta trade for the 76ers’ All-Star, they would be invested in him for the long-run.Â
It is extremely hard to trade for a contract this size in the middle of the season, but the Hawks definitely have options on how to pursue Ben Simmons.Â
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS:Â One Trade To Land Ben Simmons With Hawks After Reddish Trade
The Cam Reddish trade does not really impact the Hawks much in terms of freeing up cap space to go after Ben Simmons, but it puts them in a position where they now have more assets to pursue him, specifically an extra draft pick.Â