Packfill

Plus the Knicks have such a dearth of big men then can't possibly trade one without getting another back in return.

Agree 100%. We either need a guy who can step-up like playoff Jamal Murray (and play at a super high and efficient level in the space created by Trae's gravity) or we need someone with enough gravity of their own to stop the focus on Trae.

Getting a championship is hard. Denver won last year because playoff Jamal Murray gives Denver two superstar scoring options in the playoffs (he has been exceptional in the two deep playoff runs this iteration of the Nuggets have had). Regular season Trae is way better than regular season Jamal Murray (and more durable to boot) but we can only hope playoff Trae plays at a level that Jamal Murray has in the playoffs. No doubt the chances of that would be improved by having another scoring option on the team that would prevent defenses from keying exclusively on him. So yes, the Hawks still need a Jokic - or at least someone who can be their playoff Jamal Murray. No easy task.

I like that trade for the Hawks but don't see the motivation to do anything like that for the other two teams. Net's lock up a roster with no true number 1 scorer and the Jazz trade away their only good player a package that does not present a clear near term opportunity to acquire a star (unless bottoming out for the 2025 draft is the point, and maybe it is).

Minny is in first place. I can't see them making a move to save money in-season. Maybe in the off-season, but not now.

I don't understand why the Knicks would want Dejounte. Even with OJ they need another big wing, not a smallish two guard.

At this point, it is it more likely they trade for help now or sell assets to get better in the future? I am not sure anymore.

If the Pels move Zion they need a power forward to replace him. Much like the Hawks, perhaps moreso, they have a dearth of big men.

I don't see why the Lakers or Knicks do those first two trades. Last trade makes sense for the Lakers but obviously is trash for the Hawks.

Yes. A back-up that outworked the Hawks.

Drummond has been a bench guy for a few seasons now for obvious reasons. Hawks could pick up a facsimile of Drummond today if they wanted one. If the Hawks can't outwork a mid team missing three starters then they do not have much of a chance.

Bulls played only one guy that was over 6'7" last night. Size was not the issue. Hawks lack effort on defense and on the boards.

Mitchell and Mobley are Cleveland's two most important players, followed by Garland and then Allen.

To me Cleveland tops out as a team capable of winning one playoff series but nothing more unless Mobley makes a major leap. They are very similar to the Hawks in that they have a very good backcourt but not so good it can reasonably be expected to be championship material. Both teams need a true difference maker in the front court.

I get that JJ is important for the Hawks but watching the Cavs win games without Mobley and Garland is frustrating.

Last year the Mavs deliberately avoided the playoffs so they could keep the pick that turned into Lively.

Hawks defense is abysmal. Opponents are shooting lights out against the Hawks. I think they need more effort on defense. They are being more aggressive about trying to force turnovers but it is backfiring by giving opponents open looks.

I think my response was in line with the scope of the thread. I don't disagree with you though. I think the Mavs have made more mistakes then the Hawks in terms of building rosters around their young star, but they have also been much more proactive trying to remedy those mistakes versus the Hawks.

Reddish to me is replacement level, so I would have absolutely no problem jettisoning him as well.

Based on what we know today I would trade Trae for Luka if given the opportunity. I think the vast majority of NBA GMs would as well. That does not mean Trae is not a good player.

To me, a Siakam acquisition only makes sense if the team has a specific goal of making some noise in the post-season this year. I am not sure that is a realistic goal given the teams performance to date.

Ingles is a very important part of the Magic's second unit, and their team is winning, they are not trading him for nothing. Mills would definitely not get it done.

This Hawks team is streaky offensively. Hard to win consistently like that when you cannot lock down on defense, though it can lead to some good results (i.e., a trip to the ECF).

The Bucks shot almost 60% from the field. That should not happen. The Bucks took 12 fewer shots overall versus the Hawks.

Hunter is nothing like Paul Pierce or Joe Johnson, in particular as a ball handler.