Every coin has two sides. Most debates do, as well. For example, what should an NBA team do when they’re running low on draft capital? Should they cling to the picks they have left, or move them to continue upgrading?
Arguably, it depends on their performance. When a team makes a big trade for a star, loses all of their draft capital, and still falls short of expectations, they’ve got a problem. Some will suggest that they need to start rebuilding. At the same time, that team could also justify pushing even further all-in: after all, they’ve already made their investment.
What should the Atlanta Hawks do? This team sunk a lot of draft capital into Dejounte Murray. In 2022-23, it didn’t look like it was working out. Could they make another big trade anyway? Could that trade be for Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 14 Protected – SAC via ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Paul George
In that sense, a star player is no different from any other investment. Suppose you put your money into a cryptocurrency. Now, that currency has dropped in value. You don’t want to sell now, right? You’ll get a poor return on your investment.
On the other hand, if you hold too long, the currency’s value could continue to drop. These are not easy decisions to make. Nobody wants to cut ties with an investment prematurely. At the same time, overcommitting could be the worst decision that you’ve ever made in your life.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Should the Clippers still be committed to this roster? They’ve fallen short of expectations for a couple of years in a row. Few teams in the NBA have this much talent, but the Clippers are extremely injury prone. Is it time for them to trade George?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
By now, the Clippers won’t get market value for either George or Kawhi Leonard if they decide to rebuild. That’s just an unfortunate reality. Given how often both appear on the injury report, teams won’t send out massive packages in exchange for them. George is a risk.
With that in mind, this is a good return. The Clippers are at least landing a pair of first-round picks here. Granted, that Kings pick is top-14 protected. That’s fine. If Sacramento’s pick lands inside of the top 14, it’ll come as a huge surprise. The odds of the Clippers keeping this pick are quite high.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Otherwise, the package is highlighted by the young players that the Clippers are receiving here. Hunter is a solid young 3-and-D wing. Meanwhile, Onkongwu may have untapped potential – he’s spent his entire NBA career backing up Clint Capela. Should the Hawks really move the talented young big man?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Outside of their remaining eligible first-round picks, the Hawks are losing very little here. This deal is specifically designed to help them win-now. The Hawks get unequivocally better by acquiring George.
After all, he replaces Hunter directly. That’s a pure upgrade. Meanwhile, the Hawks can spare Onkongwu with Capela on the roster. In all likelihood, they’ll be able to find a backup big man on the waiver wire. Since this team is underusing Onkongwu anyway, he’s no major loss here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Does that mean this deal is risk-free? Of course not. George’s injury history makes him a risk. The Hawks could be left with an underperforming roster and no draft capital left to show for it. On the other hand, if this works, it could put them in title contention. This is clearly a coin with two sides.
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