One NBA writer believes the Atlanta Hawks need to acquire an All-Star small forward this summer so that star point guard Trae Young has more help on offense.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report thinks Boston Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown is a player who can help the Hawks take the next step.
“If we operate under the assumption that the Atlanta Hawks are married to the Trae Young-Dejounte Murray duo, they can then justify chasing substantial upgrades at every other position,” Favale wrote. “Settling on the wing spot is an easy decision. Jaylen Brown impacts the game at both ends unlike any other player on the roster. He provides sturdy wing defense, three-point volume and efficiency and an additional layer of shot creation.
“His future in Boston becomes a non-issue if he puts pen to paper on the supermax extension for which he’s eligible. It will be open season if he rejects it. The Celtics cannot risk him getting to unrestricted free agency in 2024 should he turn down nearly $300 million. The Hawks backed up the asset truck to land Murray last summer but are not without other chips to play. They have the No. 15 pick in this year’s draft and a lottery-protected Sacramento first in 2024, and they can still trade their own 2029 selection.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Brown is one of the best players in the NBA. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc and 76.5% from the free-throw line.
The 26-year-old Brown has always been linked to the Hawks since he grew up in Marietta, Georgia.
“Other squads can cobble together spicier draft equity,” Favale wrote. “But the Celtics won’t be going full-tilt rebuild if they move Brown. They’ll need actual contributors on top of first-rounders to keep optimizing the Jayson Tatum window. Atlanta can—and should—unload all the draft capital possible while dangling any combination of A.J. Griffin, De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu, Jalen Johnson, John Collins and even Murray.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Young and the Hawks lost to Brown and the Celtics in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games. It will be interesting to see if Young and Brown wind up becoming teammates soon.
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