Making the Case: Atlanta Hawks
We’ve likely seen the full possibility of what a Trae Young-John Collins tandem can do. The Atlanta Hawks’ surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 is probably the peak of what those two can do together as a duo, at least with Collins as the second-best player.
Through this last season that saw Atlanta flunk out of the first round, it became clear that the Hawks need to acquire more defensive-minded players and another shot creator. Young has already seen historic usage ratings in his early career, and it’s proven to be a flawed model for sustained success.
The Miami Heat were able to neutralize Young — and in turn the entire Atlanta offense — by committing all of their defensive attention to limiting his drives into the paint.
Adding another shot creator and playmaker like Tobias Harris will make it far more difficult for defenses to key in on Young as Miami did. The Heat tried to translate the game plan they had for Trae Young onto James Harden, but Harris and Tyrese Maxey were able to make them pay enough to turn it into a six-game series.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Packages To Send Heat Star Kyle Lowry To Philadelphia 76ers
Harris will alleviate some of the offensive and playmaking burdens off of Young’s shoulders and help to keep opposing defenses on their toes. He’s proven to be an apt perimeter defender when committed, as well, something the Hawks desperately need more of.
In addition to Harris, Atlanta also nabs Matisse Thybulle in this deal who would instantly be the best point-of-attack defender on the roster. Still only 25 years old, Thybulle still has plenty of room to grow and could be the perfect backcourt mate for Trae Young moving forward.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Packages To Send Heat Star Kyle Lowry To Philadelphia 76ers
Even if this trade doesn’t work out, Tobias Harris’s $39 million contract expires at the end of the season which will open up significant cap space for Atlanta to pursue free agents in a class that could feature LeBron James, James Harden, Khris Middleton, and Bradley Beal.
