The Atlanta Hawks have a chance to make improvements to their roster this offseason. After missing out on the 2025 NBA playoffs, there are changes needed to the Hawks to return to their competitive state. This is the second year in a row that Atlanta has not played in the postseason.
The team still has a star in Trae Young, and they want to make the most of his prime before he changes his mind and asks for a trade. On Sunday, Jackson Caudell of Sports Illustrated suggested a three-team trade that could help the Hawks have a deeper bench rotation.
Caudell mentioned the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers as potential trade partners in his proposal. However, this trade idea could lead to a fan-favorite player from the Lakers parting ways with the organization.
Here’s the suggested trade idea:
Lakers Receive: Jarrett Allen, Terance Mann, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, a 2027 2nd round pick (from ATL, via CLE), and a 2029 2nd round pick (from ATL, via CLE)
Cavaliers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Maxi Kleber, a 2030 1st round pick swap (via LAL), a 2030 2nd round pick (via ATL), an unprotected 2031 1st round pick (via LAL), a 2031 2nd round pick (via ATL), and a 2031 2nd round pick (via ATL, CLE’s own pick
For the Hawks, doing this trade would strengthen their frontcourt on the defensive end. Vanderbilt has been a consistent defender for the Lakers in the past few seasons. Atlanta will also add another outside threat in Max Strus. The veteran forward shot 38.6% for the Cavaliers last season.
The Lakers win this trade by getting the big man who could pair well with All-Star guard Luka Doncic. However, they’ll have to trade away Dalton Knecht, who’s loved by the fans. Los Angeles will also get Okoro and Niang, who are both productive role players.
Lastly, Cleveland will add more depth to their team by getting Hachimura and Shake Milton. The franchise will also secure a plethora of future draft picks.
