Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top 3 Protected – NYK)

New York Knicks Receive: C Clint Capela

For the Atlanta Hawks, this deal is all about that 2023 first-round pick.

Granted, the New York Knicks would put protections on it. They’d have to. Trading Victor Wembenyama, Scoot Henderson, or another top prospect and Evan Fournier for Clint Capela would haunt this organization for decades.

In fact, they’d probably like to protect it more rigidly. The Hawks may bite on top 5 protection. Otherwise, they’ll find better value for Capela elsewhere if they’re serious about shopping him.

This feels like a fair deal, but that doesn’t mean it’ll suit everyone. The Atlanta Hawks may be more interested in clearing their books than they are in draft capital.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Offseason Trade Targets New York Knicks Must Monitor

NBA trade rumors have frequently suggested that they covet cap space to potentially pair Trae Young with another star player.

If that’s how the team feels, there could be other possibilities to explore.