The Atlanta Hawks trade rumors now feature them acquiring a center and Marcin Gortat of the Phoenix Suns has just caught their eye big time.
The logistics still need some work as both teams have to sort out contract negotiations, but it looks like a third team might be involved.
Gortat has been flying below the radar his entire career. The 6' 11", 29-year-old from Poland introduced himself to the NBA as an Orlando Magic playing alongside Dwight Howard. He was traded to back and forth between the Magic and Suns and for the past three seasons he's been showing the NBA his skills.
The Suns allowed Gortat to start last season for the first time in his career. He didn't disappoint averaging a double-double scoring over 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while adding some defense with1.5 blocks per game.
It appears the Hawks will stick to Al Horford as their main man and the face of the franchise. With both Gortat and Horford, the Hawks could dominate the key and the boards, which could help them down the stretch in the Eastern Conference as the Hawks are battling for a top spot. They currently sit in the sixth seed as we enter the stretch of the season.
As for the Suns end, they could add an outside shooter to compliment Jared Dudley's abilities.
The Hawks have been waiting for Smith to burst onto the scene, but they appear to be heading into a different directions. They want two big men to anchor their offense and defense.
The NBA appears to be shifting to smaller lineups as the Heat don't feature a true big in the middle of their lineup. The Hawks might remove the key from opponents, but they will have to find a way to cover the outside as the Heat do possess the ability to shoot from the outside.
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, Feb. 21.
