Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal 

Here, the Hawks land an immediate replacement for Hunter. That alone is a large benefit for them in this deal. 

In fact, Crowder and Hunter are very similar players. They’re both archetypical 3-and-D wings. On the other hand, Crowder is probably more impactful at this stage.

Chalk it up to veteran know-how: he’s a stronger point-of-attack defender and a more reliable three-point shooter as well. 

Throw in a pick swap, and this feels too good to be true for Atlanta. 

It isn’t. Obviously, Crowder is much older than Hunter. In fact, it’s entirely feasible that Hunter will surpass him in the league’s pecking order in 2022-23.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers & Phoenix Suns Updates

Still, there are benefits here: the win-now Hawks land a potentially better player, avoid paying a younger one, and get a pick swap. 

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are already low on draft capital following their acquisition of Donovan Mitchell. Could they really give up swap rights on one of their last first-round picks for the foreseeable future?