The Atlanta Hawks might not have any untouchable players on the roster, but there are only two who appear to be realistic trade candidates ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline: Larry Nance Jr. and Clint Capela.
Despite Trae Young being the center of trade rumors just month ago, “the Hawks value [him] more than other teams around the league,” reports HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. To that point, Young is Atlanta’s offensive engine. However, other teams are concerned about his efficiency and defensive upside. As for De’Andre Hunter, who has also been in trade rumors, “executives around the league question his durability.”
Then there’s Bogdan Bogdanovic, who “has drawn interest from teams searching for bench scoring over the years.” Atlanta seems to value Bogdanovic too much —on and off the court —to move him right now. That could change when push comes to shove, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they hold onto the veteran.
New Intel On Hawks Potential Trade Candidates
Larry Nance Jr.
Nance is “a notable trade candidate in the final year of his contract,” per Scotto.
As for what makes him an attractive option for prospective teams, the insider cites the affordability of Nance’s deal, his locker room leadership, and his dynamic skillset. This season, Nance has played sporadically, but made a consistent impact when he receives playing time. In fact, in the three games that he’s been on the court for at least 20 minutes, he’s averaged 16.0 points per game.
As he’ll turn 32 years old in January, he’s more suited for a veteran squad or a playoff-contender. A team like the Cleveland Cavaliers makes sense as a potential suitor due to their iffy depth at the center position.
Clint Capela
Capela has been involved in trade rumors for a while now.
In fact, with the Hawks hoping to reduce their payroll obligations, he and Hunter were on the trade block. It’s all but too late for moving Capela to help them in this endeavor, as he’s on the final year of a two-year, $45.9 million deal. That is, unless they can convince the Brooklyn Nets to absorb his 2024-25 salary into their $23.3 million trade exception. However, “executives across the league exploring the center market believe [he] could be a trade candidate.”
Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings are worth monitoring in a Capela trade given their longstanding need for help at center.
Cody Zeller
Though he wasn’t mentioned by Scotto, Hawks center Cody Zeller is another potential trade candidate.
Zeller, now 32, has yet to suit up this season. Designated as a player who is “not with (the) team” most nights, he could actually be hoping to find a new home. There’s no indication that there’s any deep-seated issue. In this case, Atlanta’s logjam at center may be what’s repelling the former fourth overall pick.
This offseason, the big man agreed to a three-year, $11 million contract as part of the sign-and-trade that sent him to Atlanta. To that point, he may have initially had a genuine desire to suit up for the Hawks. Nonetheless, this isn’t an ideal situation for either him or the team.
Given his inexpensive contract, he could have several trade suitors.
