The Atlanta Hawks have parted ways with Trae Young via trade. This could be the beginning of further transactions. The focus is expected to remain on Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks.
As Shams Charania (ESPN) reports, the Hawks’ rebuilding process is not yet complete, and the Trae Young trade may only be the beginning. The team is to be built around forward Jalen Johnson, and the trade has given Atlanta a lot of financial flexibility to do so.
The contracts of C.J. McCollum and Kristaps Porzingis expire in the summer, but both could also be used as trade chips in possible further trades before the deadline. According to Charania, Anthony Davis remains the Hawks’ preferred solution – at least for this season.
The Dallas Mavericks’ big man is likely to be available if the right offer comes along, but there are several parameters to consider. Davis still has a contract until 2028, but he can opt out of it a year earlier. The 32-year-old could sign an extension at any time, but the Mavs are said to be hesitant to do so.
Davis likely wants a new contract
The Hawks now have to ask themselves whether they really want to give the injury-prone center a new contract in the final years of his career. AD is still earning $54 million this season, and the player option for 27/28 is worth $62.8 million.
This season, the center is averaging 31 minutes on the court, recording a double-double with 20.3 points and 11.1 rebounds. However, Davis has already missed several games and has only played in 19 games this season.
