Sometimes, two NBA careers become irreversibly linked. Often, that happens on draft night. If two players are in the same class, they’ll be compared. That holds especially true if they’re traded for each other on draft night.
Look at Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. They were traded for each other on draft night. Both players have gone on to become NBA superstars. With that said, thus far, one of them stands above the other.
Go find a 2018 redraft. Luka Doncic will be on top of it. Still, it’s not so bad for the Hawks. They got an extra pick in that trade that they’d go on to select De’Andre Hunter with.
Could they turn around and send him to the Mavericks to team up with Doncic?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Atlanta Hawks’ De’Andre Hunter
Atlanta Hawks Receive: C Richaun Holmes, G/F Josh Green, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, G/F Garrison Mathews
Doncic is generally ranked above Young. Meanwhile, the Mavericks have usually outperformed the Hawks since the 2018 draft. What’s going wrong in Atlanta? How much of it falls on Young’s shoulders?
It’s hard to say. Young is one of the smallest guards in the NBA. He’s made strides on defense, but he remains a liability. The Hawks have had to build their team with these limitations in mind.
Perhaps that’s why they acquired Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs last summer. Unfortunately, Murray’s defense has regressed since joining the Hawks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Moreover, the offensive fit between the pair is clunky. This has all culminated in an underwhelming season for the Hawks.
Could they trade Hunter to the Mavericks as a result?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks are expected to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. That makes sense. When a team is this mediocre, this low on draft capital, and has this many trade chips, they sell.
Murray might be on the move. With that said, trading Hunter would be justifiable as well. He’s a role player on a long-term deal. The Hawks may want to clean up their books.
This deal helps them do it – the Hawks are flipping Hunter for two players on shorter, smaller contracts. They’re also landing Green and a lottery-protected first.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Green is a solid young player who brings energy and hustle on the floor. He’s a mediocre shooter, but he has improved in that area during his time with the Mavericks.
Should Dallas give him up now?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
The Hawks are having a mediocre season. By contrast, the Mavericks have been competitive. This team feels like they’re a move away from true title contention.
Acquiring Hunter could be that move. The Mavericks could use a true 3-and-D wing. They could also use some toughness and positional size.
Hunter brings all of those qualities. He’s a perfect piece to compliment Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, adding Mathews to the rotation is sensible as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks Updates
He’s a solid movement shooter who should crack the back end of this rotation. This deal should make the Mavericks a better team – which will be another point of comparison between Doncic and Young.
