NBA Trade Rumors: 5 playoff hopefuls that should buy at the deadline

Atlanta Hawks

Last year’s Eastern Conference breakout team has collapsed this season. No, you should not have expected them to make it to the Conference Finals again. But…19-25 and several games out of the play-in? That I did not expect.

Part of this was too many players needing the ball and minutes, something the Hawks addressed when they sent out Reddish without bringing back a rotation player in return. They are desperate for a defensive upgrade as well.

There will be options out there for them. The Hawks own all their picks and added another in the deal with the Knicks. John Collins is yet again frustrated with his role and should be a hot commodity on the trade market (you should value Collins over Christian Wood, in my opinion).

The Hawks can put together a tasty package and there are stellar defenders available. They are one of the many teams interested in Ben Simmons. Eric Gordon would be a seamless fit next to Trae Young. Jerami Grant, Harrison Barnes, and Thaddeus Young can all be had. The Hawks season depends on them adding defensive talent at the deadline.