The Hawks have been in the middle of many trade rumors this season, as they were reportedly fielding offers for point guard Jeff Teague and center Al Horford. The feeling around the league was that they were ready to blow it up. Now, it seems they will keep their team intact instead, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Hawks plan to stand pat, keep Jeff Teague and Al Horford, per report
The Hawks were rumored to be sellers during this trade deadline, but have reportedly changed their mind and will keep their roster intact. Do we believe them?
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta currently has the fourth best record in the East, so there was never a real urgency to make a change. Keeping the team together would mean another postseason appearance and, with a few good breaks, another chance at the conference finals. Even if beating the Cavaliers doesn't seem likely, there's still value in being one of the best teams in the league for the second year in a row.
That being said, this core seems to have maxed out its potential. That’s what made all those rumors about a fire sale understandable. Making a few trades and accumulating assets would allow Atlanta to likely stay in the playoff hunt this season and reload in the offseason.
Let’s take a closer look at this rumor.
Why the Hawks are bluffing
The Hawks could have plenty of cap space next offseason, but Atlanta is not a free agent destination. Their draft pick will likely be in the mid 20s. If they want to reload, they will have to do it via trade. With so many teams looking for an upgrade, they could get a good return for Teague and Horford, which could include young players with star potential or a high draft pick. If they want a star, they have to be willing to deal during this deadline, before the salary cap explodes and allows most franchises to get talent in free agency.
Speaking of free agents, Horford will become one after this season. By all accounts he likes Atlanta but the Hawks can’t be certain he will re-sign. Even if he does, he will be 30 years old then and will be looking for a maximum contract. Trading him now for a younger player would ensure the Hawks get something for him while also preventing them from potentially making a mistake by signing an aging big man with an injury history to a five-year deal.
As for Teague, he's a solid player, but is not a star. He's too inconsistent and at times tentative to ever become one. There's also a replacement already in place in Dennis Schroder, who has showed flashes of serious potential. It might be best for the Hawks to just part with their starting point guard and promote the young backup to see what he can do.
Why the Hawks are telling the truth
This same roster, plus DeMarre Carroll, won 60 games last season and made the conference finals. Kent Bazemore has emerged as a solid replacement for Carroll, so the potential to make some noise in the postseason is still there. The Hawks might not have enough talent to push the Cavaliers but against any other team, they have a chance. Despite Toronto separating itself from the pack a bit, the East is still wide open. There would be nothing wrong with keeping the team together for a few extra months to see how far it can go.
Obviously, if there’s an offer that’s too good to pass up, the front office would be foolish not to consider it. Since Horford is on the last year of his contract, however, it’s unlikely anyone will surrender a high lottery pick or a blue-chip prospect for him. As good as Horford is, his value drops dramatically if he’s a rental. There’s no reason to move him now for marginal assets, considering he’s made it clear the Hawks are still in the running to re-sign him.
As for Teague, he still has another year in his contract after this one, but it’s unlikely he will fetch more than a young player and a low first-round pick. The point guard position is overflowing with talent, so there won’t be a bidding war for his services. Even if the coaching staff is convinced Schroder is their point guard of the future, keeping Teague until the offseason will allow them to bring him along slowly instead of throwing him into the fire right away. Then in the offseason they can reexamine the situation.
Likelihood of a big trade happening: 4/10
The Hawks could simply be trying to drive up the price for Horford and Teague by saying they are no longer available. It’s possible they actually mean it, but a last-minute offer forces them to change their position.
In all likelihood, however, they explored the market, didn’t see anything that interested them and decided to keep their team together. A trade for one of their starters remains possible but if recent reports are accurate, it doesn’t seem likely.
See More:
