The Atlanta Hawks might be willing to consider breaking up their roster before Thursday's trade deadline, but the price tag is heavy to do so. Interest has been pouring in for players like Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver as they make up the core group for the Hawks along with Paul Millsap. Atlanta has been listening to offers, but as interest grows and the deadline nears, the price tags are getting higher and higher making deals unlikely as the Hawks might explore other options over dealing their star players.
According to Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports, the Hawks are not serious about trading Horford or Teague as they are looking for "one of those Godfather-type deals." That likely means Atlanta is looking for first-round draft picks and star players in return for either the center or the point guard. Teams do not make those types of trades in the middle of the season. For his part, Horford told the media that he has heard all of the talk surrounding his name with the trade deadline approaching, but he is just focused on getting better with the idea that he re-signs with Atlanta in the summer.
"Yeah, I mean, for me I asked (Hawks management) for guidance, but at the end of the day I understand the business of everything. I know how everything works, and for me I just need to stay diligent, keep doing what I do, and whatever happens will happen," Horford said, via MyAJC.com.
If the Hawks are not trading Horford or Teague, are they making a move before the deadline on Thursday? The team has assets in place to make a minor move at the deadline which could be the favored route to take. According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Sacramento Kings have taken interest in Thabo Sefolosha. The Kings have been shopping Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore in trade deals which could come into play if they want Sefolosha. Moving the veteran for young talent like McLemore might be appealing to the Hawks who want a younger roster.
Kyle Korver is also gaining interest at the deadline. According to Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers like Korver and believe he is the offensive talent needed to get them through the postseason. The Cavaliers are reportedly willing to move Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov in the deal. That could be of interest to Atlanta now that Tiago Splitter is out for the season with a hip injury. Mozgov has not been good this year, but he offers needed size to Atlanta.
