The Atlanta Hawks are eyeing change. The team continues to remain inconsistent on the season as their holding in the Easter Conference playoff standings gets looser with each loss. As a result, the team is mulling the idea of getting active at the trade deadline in order to get a younger body on the floor. Will the team really shake up the core of the team that got them to the conference finals just one season ago?
It is safe to say that the Hawks are not the same team from last year. Despite bringing just about everyone back, something is off in Atlanta and a change might be the best move forward. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Hawks are considering trade deals for Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver at the deadline. The three players along with Paul Millsap represent the core of the Hawks franchise right now. Shaking them up would be considered a blockbuster move, but they current sit at 30-24 on the year in the fifth place spot in the East.
The idea of trading Teague might not surprise fans and some might welcome the move. The point guard has been struggling this year with injuries and poor shooting. He does not look like the "Big League Teague" of last season and with a manageable contract to his name, a team could take a look. ESPN's Ian Begley reported the New York Knicks have eyed a deal along with the Boston Celtics. The Hawks could also shop Dennis Schroder in a deal as well.
Getting rid of Horford would be a move that upsets the fan base. The center has been a valuable asset to the team since arriving and that has been especially true this year as he has really improved his game. That has only upped his value in the league and drawn a lot of trade interest. ESPN reports the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are moving in on a deal for Horford who has an expiring contract to his name. He is expected to command a max contract next season which MyAJC.com reported could come from the Hawks if he stays put at the trade deadline.
Korver is another fan favorite, but he is no longer averaging 50 percent from beyond the arc this season. He has remained in the starting lineup despite his shooting percentages beginning down. Head coach Mike Budenholzer has said that Korver is essential to what the Hawks do offensively while being a big presence in the locker room in terms of leadership. Trading him could alter things in Atlanta.
Outside of the core three players, the Hawks could try and find trade deals for Kent Bazemore who has an expiring deal, Schroder or someone like Mike Scott who has improved lately. The Hawks rarely pull off big trades at the deadline, but right now the middle of the Eastern Conference is competitive and if they want to remain in the hunt, something might have to change.