For a long time, the Western Conference was seen as the dominant conference in the NBA. These days, you can’t sleep on the East. Sure, the 2022-23 championship went to the Denver Nuggets, but the Eastern Conference had a deeper cast of viable contenders this season.
One surprising addition to that cast was the New York Knicks. Plenty of fans expected them to be a middling team last season. Instead, the Knicks were competitive. In fact, they even advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks were one of the season’s Cinderella stories.
By contrast, the Atlanta Hawks were one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. They weren’t invited to the ball. This team had plenty of issues in 2022-23. As a result, they’ve been the subject of endless trade rumors. Could they send DeAndre Hunter to the Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, F/C Isaiah Roby, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F De’Andre Hunter
For longtime NBA fans, the Knicks’ return to relevancy has been a treat – unless you hate the Knicks, of course. Otherwise, the universe feels balanced when the Knicks are relevant. Of course, that hasn’t always been the case.
In fact, the Knicks haven’t been NBA champions since the 70s. They did make one Finals appearance in 1999. Most impressively, the Knicks did it as an eighth seed. Led by Patrick Ewing, they defied the odds – only to lose to the San Antonio Spurs.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, New York Knicks & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Since then, the Knicks have mostly teetered on irrelevance. There were some fun years with Carmelo Anthony, but the Knicks never looked like title contenders. Realistically, they’re as relevant now as they’ve been since ’99. Does acquiring Hunter make them more relevant?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Knicks’ recent playoff run was made more impressive by the presence of RJ Barrett. While he’s flashed potential, he hasn’t put it all together on the NBA level. Barrett is inconsistent.
In all likelihood, the Knicks would do better with a purer 3-and-D wing in his position. That’s Hunter. He’s not as good of a playmaker as Barrett, but the Knicks don’t need him to be. Hunter is a more reliable floor spacer and a better defender. He should make this team better.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, New York Knicks & Atlanta Hawks Updates
What will the Knicks do with Barrett? We’re not sure. He could thrive as a sixth man, or as a big 2 in the starting lineup. Alternatively, the Knicks could move him and make further improvements. Either way, this is a win-now move for a win-now club. Should the Hawks make this deal with a longer view in mind?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Well, let’s be honest – the Hawks are a bit of a mess. It’s one thing to fall short of expectations. That happens. Unfortunately, the Hawks don’t have a clear path to improvement. This team is cash-strapped, and they’re light on draft capital.
This deal solves both of those issues. They’re flipping Hunter for an expiring contract in Fournier. Sure, Roby has some intrigue at 25. He’s a hyper-athletic combo big. Still, the main idea here is to move Hunter for an expiring deal and an unprotected first.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, New York Knicks & Atlanta Hawks Updates
That first-round pick is especially critical. The Hawks traded three of them to land Dejounte Murray. That’s largely why they’re so low on assets. Recouping one would be a wise decision for this organization. Overall, this deal puts Atlanta in a better long-term position: even in the grueling Eastern Conference.
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