Why Brooklyn does this: They get protected picks that are almost certain to convey. The Nets are rebuilding and in the process of gathering assets and Johnson is their best one remaining. He seem certain to be traded by the deadline and Brooklyn will look to better their odds of landing the No. 1 pick […]
Why Brooklyn does this: They get protected picks that are almost certain to convey. The Nets are rebuilding and in the process of gathering assets and Johnson is their best one remaining. He seem certain to be traded by the deadline and Brooklyn will look to better their odds of landing the No. 1 pick and getting Duke superstar Cooper Flagg. GG Jackson is a young player worth taking a risk on and there are plenty of minutes available for him. Smart has two years left on his deal and Brooklyn could try and flip him for more assets in the offseason. Memphis receives: Cam Johnson and Larry Nance JrLet’s look at a hypothetical three-team deal that would send some shooting to Atlanta.Why Memphis does this: Johnson is arguably the best player on the trade market and would be a great fit with this team. While Oklahoma City is the unquestioned leader in the Western Conference, Memphis is not far away and has the assets to make a move. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr, Johnson, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, Santi Aldama, and Jake LaRavia, this team could make a push. Memphis has been building assets over the years, but has not really used them to make a move to go for a championship. It might be time. Why Brooklyn does not do this: This might not the right compensation for Johnson. They may want lighter protections on the pick to ensure they get them. Atlanta Hawks Take Advantage of Celtics Late-Game Mistakes and Upset Boston 119-115NBA World and Social Media Was Buzzing Over Atlanta Hawks’ Stunning Upset Against The Boston CelticsOnyeka Okongwu Has Been The Center of Attention For the Atlanta Hawks in 2025
Backup point guard, backup power forward, and more shooting are the areas in which the Hawks could use upgrades if the right deal is out there. Look no further than the game on Saturday night vs Boston as evidence that Atlanta needs more help shooting and there are some options out there. Why the Hawks don’t do this: As good of a shooter as he is, Kennard does zero to help your defense. Atlanta would have to make sure he is in a lineup where the opposing team can’t single him out. While the Hawks use Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu primarily at center, Atlanta values having Nance as depth and he is great in the locker room. Just because he is an expiring deal does not mean Atlanta is for sure going to trade him and could bring him back next season. Would Atlanta be interested in re-signing Kennard after the season?Brooklyn Receives: Marcus Smart, GG Jackson, 2025 top-ten protected 1st round pick (via Memphis), and 2027 top-ten protected 1st round pick (via Memphis)Why the Hawks do this trade: They get one of the best shooters in the NBA. The Hawks don’t have a lot of efficient three-point shooters. De’Andre Hunter has been great this year, as has Garrison Matthews, but the rest of the guys on Atlanta are unreliable. Bogdan Bogdanovic might get going at some point, but he is only shooting 32% from three right now. Kennard is shooting 47% from three (third best in the NBA) in 21 minutes a game off the bench for Memphis. He is on an expiring deal and still keeps the Hawks under the tax.
