Three Trades the San Antonio Spurs should make with the Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta, GA is a special place, a true gem of the Southeast. I would know, as at one time, this Texan called the ATL home. That was in the fall of 2014, the season after the San Antonio Spurs 5th title. It was also the season in which the Atlanta Hawks secured their best regular season with a record of 60-22, followed by a playoff run to the conference finals. Aside from my own relationship with the city, Atlanta and San Antonio have been close-knit this NBA season.

I like to think I played a part in that historic season, bringing some of that 210 magic to the greater Atlanta metro region. See, the basketball club in Georgia has not enjoyed the same level of success as the ball club in deep South Texas. They got a taste that season and have been on a roller coaster ever since, trying to recapture the triumphs of that year.

Here are three trade scenarios the Atlanta Hawks should make with the San Antonio Spurs

It is an all too familiar scenario for the Hawks. The same thing happened with Dominique Wilkins in the 1980s and then again with Steve Smith in the 1990s. The Hawks are either hit or miss. Contenders or pretenders with no middle ground, a cycle that repeats itself to this day.

In 2023, the Atlanta Hawks cycle looks to be pointing at contending.

With a caveat that is.  

Atlanta needs a true big man to make a legitimate deep playoff run this season, and the thing with Atlanta sports is that they want to win now. The Hawks historically are not known as a patient group to build from within, and this season is no different. As of late, recent news of turmoil within the club amongst leadership and key players has surfaced, which adds even more urgency for a championship run before key pieces of the roster potentially bolt due to a lack of the warm and fuzzy feels.

This means one thing and one thing only. The Hawks need a trade. And they need one now. So, how does this happen, you ask? A quick glance at the roster and one may struggle to decide who to give up.

It is not so much who, in this situation, as it is what. What future draft picks is Atlanta willing to let go to make a trade happen, if they have them at all? Remember, they already shipped several draft picks to San Antonio this past offseason.

Even after last year’s trade involving Dejounte Murray, the Hawks still find themselves in a desirable position when it comes to holding some attractive draft slots while, at the same time, to an extent, are emerging as a real contender in the Eastern Conference.

I will not assume the Hawks are willing to sell those draft slots. I am going to guarantee they are ready to sell. Trust me, former Atlanta resident, remember?

All of that said, who can the Hawks turn to for help?

You guessed it, the San Antonio Spurs. That’s who. Timing is ideal for the Silver & Black to swoop in during trying times for the Hawks organization and help with a trade to a vulnerable club. Note the word vulnerable. Desperate times equal desperate measures, folks, and in this situation, those measures come with draft stock.