Luka Doncic and Trae Young. In NBA circles, they will always be connected. There’s an apparent reason for that. They were effectively traded for each other. On draft night, the Hawks decided they’d prefer Young and a future first to Doncic.
There’s another reason the pair are connected. The two are remarkably similar. Doncic and Young are heliocentric playmakers who need the ball to operate most effectively.
As a result, they should have similar players around them. A team can build an elite offense around either of these players, but they need the right supporting cast.
Perhaps that’s why the Hawks wanted that extra pick. In time, they’d use it to select DeAndre Hunter. As a three-and-D wing, he’s a perfect complement to a playmaker like Young or Doncic.
It’s been rumored that the Hawks would like to move on from his contract anyway. Could they send him to the Mavericks to play with Doncic?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land De’Andre Hunter
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F De’Andre Hunter
By now, we can reevaluate the trade. Doncic and Young have been in the league for long enough. We’ve got a feel for who each is. The consensus would hold that Doncic is the better player. Should the Hawks regret the trade?
It would be premature to say that. Hunter hasn’t been a perfect NBA player. In theory, he’s a 3-and-D wing. His shot comes and goes in practice, and his defensive effort has been inconsistent.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
With that said, he’s still a starting-caliber wing in this league. Meanwhile, the Hawks got him – and Young. Young may be a half-tier below Doncic, but he’s still one of the best playmakers in the NBA.
Ultimately, this could look like a deal that benefitted both teams. Does this deal benefit the Hawks?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Sometimes, players aren’t traded because they’re good or not good. They’re traded because the team wants to shed their contract. That’s what’s happening here. The Hawks’ books are messy. Here, we’ve got them cleaning them up a little bit.
After all, Hardaway Jr.’s deal is nearing its end. Hunter is still locked up for a while. Still, Atlanta shouldn’t salary dump Hunter – he’s too good. That’s not what they’re doing here. The Hawks should be interested in adding all the pieces they’re getting here.
Hardaway Jr. is a talented movement shooter. Green is an intriguing, young, athletic wing. He’s due for an extension this summer.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Hawks could retain him at a smaller price than they’re paying for Hunter or let him walk and save more money. Throw in a protected first; this deal should work for the Hawks. Does it work for Dallas?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
The Mavericks have mostly had a successful summer. After trading for Kyrie Irving at last year’s deadline, they had to retain him as a free agent over the offseason. They did. Now, the Mavericks need to strengthen the roster around Irving and Doncic.
Is there a 3-and-D wing who can play the three on this roster? Grant Williams was a great addition but is more of a four. Green is an inconsistent shooter, and Hardaway Jr. is too small on the wing.
The Mavericks should add a player with the size to defend multiple positions and the mobility to play the three spot. Hunter fits the bill. He’d be a perfect addition to this roster.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks & Dallas Mavericks Updates
If the Mavericks make this deal, it will be interesting to see if Hunter plays better alongside Doncic than he did alongside Young. Rest assured, people will make the comparison.
