An NBA general manager has to juggle. They’ve got a lot of priorities. A GM wants to assemble a winning roster, but they must also manage their cap space and consider the future.
It seems that the Atlanta Hawks are thinking about the future. That makes sense – the present is bleak. The Hawks have fallen short of expectations in 2023-24. As a result, they’ll likely prioritize creating cap space as the trade deadline approaches.
What about the New York Knicks? This team is having a strong season. The Knicks should be thinking about their cap space, but they could also justify taking on a big contract if it improved their team.
Could they acquire Bogdan Bogdanovic from the Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 Second-Round Pick (UTA or CLE via NYK), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BKN via NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic
As the trade deadline approaches, we’ll get a feel for each GM’s priorities. With that said, some teams have already told us where they sit. The Knicks got the NBA’s trade season underway a bit early.
They traded for O.G. Anunoby. This was a bold move. The Knicks sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Anunoby. How has that decision looked so far?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks are likely happy about it. Anunoby is one of the best defensive wings in the NBA, and he’s shown it in New York. Anunoby makes the Knicks a better team.
Would Bogdanovic do the same for them?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
In all likelihood, the Knicks don’t miss Barrett. That’s not a knock on the young wing – it’s just that Anunoby is his direct replacement. On the other hand, Quickley has left a hole in their rotation.
Bogdanovic could fill it. Granted, he’s not as strong of a point-of-attack defender as Quickley. On the other hand, he’s a more reliable floor spacer.
More broadly, Bogdanovic can give the Knicks a scoring punch off the bench. He can create shots for himself and space the floor alongside Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
Sure, his contract is burdensome. It shouldn’t be unmoveable either. If the Knicks need to move Bogdanovic down the line to extend Anunoby, they should be able to find a way. In the meantime, he’ll help them in this year’s playoffs.
Should the Hawks part with him?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
The Hawks don’t need to be thinking about the playoffs. Sure, they’re within striking distance. Perhaps this team will make a push after the trade deadline. At the time being, they’re a mediocre squad that ought to be selling.
Look for the Hawks to prioritize cap relief. They’re getting plenty of it here. Fournier is on an expiring contract. With Bogdanovic on a long-term deal, the Hawks may not get much more than cap relief and some modest draft capital for him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks Updates
That’s fine. This is about creating cap space. The Hawks should make more moves than this one leading up to the deadline – they ought to be one of the league’s major sellers. It’s not difficult to tell where this team’s priorities should lie.
