1. With the frenzy of NBA free agency largely behind us, though a few key restricted free agents remain unsigned, the upcoming season's NBA outlook is becoming clearer. 2. The NBA free agency market has calmed down, although several prominent restricted free agents are still available, and the NBA's future direction for the next season is starting to materialize. 3. Even though some significant restricted free agents are still on the market, the NBA's free agency period has quieted down, and the league's structure for the following season is beginning to solidify.
Following the acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis and the selection of Asa Newell in the draft, Atlanta made significant strides in free agency on its opening day. The Hawks secured Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Timberwolves with a four-year, $62 million agreement, facilitated through a sign-and-trade that involved sending a 2027 second-round pick (via CLE) to Minnesota. Subsequently, they added free agent guard Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million contract. Furthermore, they obtained an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans through a trade on draft night. Considering the anticipated widespread injuries in the Eastern Conference next season, the Atlanta Hawks appear to be all-in, making strategic moves to position themselves as contenders. Potential areas for improvement include adding depth at small forward, a third center, or another player capable of handling the ball. With the signing of last year's second-round pick Nikola Durisic to a standard contract and the reported addition of Magic forward Caleb Houstan on a one-year deal, they have one roster spot left.
Milwaukee shocked the basketball world by choosing to use the stretch provision and release Damian Lillard's contract in order to free up cap space to acquire Myles Turner from the Pacers. It seems the organization is pulling out all the stops to ensure Giannis Antetokounmpo remains content in Milwaukee. While this strategy seems promising thus far, the Bucks still have work to do to build a roster capable of winning a championship. What other adjustments might they make to strengthen their team? The backcourt is the most glaring area for improvement, but the team could benefit from an upgrade at any position.
The Spurs pulled off a blockbuster deal mid-season, acquiring star point guard De'Aaron Fox. However, Victor Wembanyama's season-ending injury derailed their playoff hopes. Despite this setback, they struck gold again in the draft lottery, jumping to the second overall pick and selecting Dylan Harper, an exceptional guard from Rutgers. The Spurs now boast a roster featuring Fox (eligible for an extension), last year's top rookie Stephon Castle, and Harper. The question is, how will these three players fit together? Could Fox eventually be traded to allow the Spurs' young core to develop cohesively? Perhaps they'll wait for Harper to mature before handing him the keys, or they might capitalize on Fox's current trade value.
What if we explored a swap where each team attempts to address a specific weakness?
Keep in mind that this is merely a hypothetical and entertaining exploration of potential transactions, not a prediction of what the Hawks or any other team should or will do. That's the long and short of it.
Atlanta gets: Andre Jackson Jr.
San Antonio gets Kyle Kuzma, Gary Harris, Tyler Smith, a 2031 first-round pick swap without protection (from Milwaukee), and a 2032 first-round pick swap (from Milwaukee).
The Bucks are getting De'Aaron Fox along with a second-round draft choice in 2031 from Atlanta.
Here's why the Hawks would make this trade: Atlanta acquires an affordable guard who's also a reliable defender to complete their team. He's a career 38.5% three-point shooter, although he doesn't take many shots. The Hawks have focused on adding shooting this offseason and can hope Jackson develops further within their system. They also remain below the luxury tax threshold, and if necessary, he can develop with the Hawks' highly-regarded G-League affiliate in College Park. This is a low-cost, high-potential addition to finalize their roster.
Here's why Atlanta likely wouldn't make this deal:They might benefit more from acquiring a center or power forward rather than another guard.
Here's why the Bucks would make this deal:Milwaukee is pulling out all the stops to ensure Giannis stays content and remains with the team, explaining their offseason moves. Should Fox become available because of the Spurs' guard depth, the Bucks should jump at the opportunity. A lineup featuring Fox, Antetokounmpo, and Turner might not be flawless, but it could compete in the relatively weak Eastern Conference and, more importantly, please Giannis. The acquisition cost would be significant, but it would be a worthwhile investment if it transforms them into true contenders.
Here's why the Bucks would make this deal:If this all falls apart and they're forced to relinquish these resources, the Bucks' outlook will quickly become very grim.
Why this deal makes sense for the Spurs:While the Spurs might appear to be losing out on players in this deal, it's another strategic decision for a team boasting the league's top young talent, Wembanyama. This move paves the way for Harper to step into the starting point guard role and develop alongside Wembanyama and Castle. The Spurs now have options: they can patiently monitor the Bucks' performance, hoping their draft picks increase in value, or they can leverage those picks in a trade should Antetokounmpo ever become a possibility.
Here's why the Spurs wouldn't make this deal: There are numerous justifications. It would diminish their team's quality and reduce their chances of reaching the playoffs this year, regardless of Wembanyama's talent. The Spurs would experience an immediate decline in their on-court performance, and Kuzma's track record as a winning player has been absent since his championship victory with the Lakers in 2020. While the draft picks are appealing, the potential for immediate setbacks might be too significant for the Spurs to proceed.
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This piece was first released on.www.si.com/nba/hawks as A suggested mega-trade involving three teams would see De'Aaron Fox heading to Milwaukee, while Kyle Kuzma and draft picks would go to the Spurs..
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