The cobbled together, stuff we held on to during the playoffs mega super rumor and team direction thread.

[NBASupes]

Hawks Trade Talk

1.      The biggest offer Atlanta have received is a LeBron James offer. Price was too high for the time being. Atlanta has the most or true interest in De’Andre Ayton, Zach LaVine, Donovan Mitchell, Bradley Beal, Rudy Gobert, Malcolm Brogdon, Collin Sexton, Evan Fournier, T.J. Warren, Otto Porter Jr., Robert Covington, Andrew Wiggins,  

2.      I’ve been told Atlanta interest to bring back their FAs outside of Cooper is limited. They want to upgrade from Delon at backup PG.

3.      When it comes to bigs, there is a belief that Atlanta wants next up situation with JJ and Okongwu moving into bigger roles.

4.      I haven’t heard anything about backup centers, but I think it’s something to keep an eye on.

5.      All of these players have been offered to Atlanta.

Atlantic: Knicks: Evan Fournier, Julius Randle, Sixers: Tobias Harris. Atlanta has some interest in Thybulle but Philly wasn’t interested in Atlanta’s offer. No one from Toronto but they had interest in Capela but nothing to note over. Celtics: Smart was offered to Atlanta before the trade deadline but the price was exceptionally high and they didn’t make an agreement. This was a deal centered around Kevin Huerter. Nets offered Joe Harris and Sharpe for Capela is quickly declined.

Atlantic teams Atlanta had interest in from NBA circles for the summer. Knicks: Fournier. They made serious progress in trade talks for Evan. I am told this is centered around Gallo’s contract. Evan is not the priority fish but he’s one of them. Celtics and Toronto – none. Sixers – Thybulle but Atlanta and Philly are far from Philly’s perceptive. Brooklyn – Atlanta reached out about Ben Simmons. Was told he’s a part of their future. He’s not available right now.

Supes Take: I don’t expect much from the Atlantic. Fournier is the biggest target that’s realistic but that depends on what happens with Brogdon.

Central: Cavs: Collin Sexton. Indy: Malcolm Brogdon. Bulls: Zach LaVine. Bucks: No one. Pistons: Grant price tag is too high is what I was told and Atlanta isn’t high on his contract demands.

Central team Atlanta had interest in from NBA circles for the summer. Cavs: Collin Sexton. From what I was told, Atlanta wants a dynamic scorer in the backcourt off the bench and starting. They want to get rid of non-dynamic scorers and replace them with 20ppg+ guys. Sexton is at the top of the list and the interest is mutual from Cleveland as well. The trade target Cleveland wants is Kevin while Atlanta wants it to be Bogi as they want to keep Kevin for the most part. I am being told, there is a high chance of this being done at some point.

Indy: Malcolm Brogdon. He has been a target for awhile but Atlanta wants more creation off the bench. I do not believe they see him as a starter but they do see him as a very good player who’s tremendous off the bench similar to how Milwaukee used him. From what I’ve been told, Indy wants to move him at all cost to start the Haliburton era but they are seeking a 1^st. I am told, it’s unlikely unless they are willing to take on bad contracts. Atlanta is offering Gallo and multiple 2nds.

 

Bulls: Zach LaVine. I would say he is probably Atlanta primary target this offseason. As I’ve stated, Atlanta wants dynamic scorers from the 1 and 2 spot for all starters and backups. All have to be capable of dominating a game. Obviously, the starters can do it a lot more. The goal from Atlanta is to have a 1 and 2 punch that can get you any night. Zach has turned himself into a top 25 player in this league so his impact will be felt. I am told John Collins is the piece that will be moved to accommodate LaVine. There is belief that the Bulls would like to keep LaVine but they see the max as something that’s not the most reasonable of deals for them and would prefer a lesser cost and they have been very open to listening to SnT deals. Their worry for Ball’s future is also impacting this decision.

 

He is being told Zach wants to talk to teams who are interested in giving him the max and Atlanta is one of those teams. I have zero clue how it’s going to work. I do think they can do a double SnT with Delon going to CHI and LaVine to ATL with JC going to CHI too. Atlanta doesn’t have many contracts next year to trade. See @thecampster for that.  I am pretty sure Atlanta can do SnT deals with Knox or Delon which will cover this trade.

 

Bucks: No one. Pistons: Grant price tag is too high is what I was told and Atlanta isn’t high on his contract demands.

Southeast: This taking too long so I will shorten this up.

Magic: He hasn’t heard anyone mentioned from Orlando to Atlanta.

Wizards: Atlanta has serious interest in Beal but Beal is signing the supermax so adios to that. Atlanta has called about a number of guys on their roster but was declined.

Heat: No one. He hasn’t heard interest from Atlanta on any Heat player at this time.

Hornets: They have talked but they don’t see eye to eye. Charlotte wants Atlanta pieces as an upgrade and they don’t have any upgrades Atlanta wants to move their pieces.

Supes Take: Doesn’t seem likely, we will see any moves in division for the Hawks unless it’s smaller pieces which I haven’t asked into yet.

Western Conference

SW:

Spurs: They had a lot of talks with Atlanta during the trade deadline but I didn’t get the names outside of White. I don’t know if they have reengaged, but it wasn’t mentioned.

Houston: Nothing

Grizzlies: Nothing. Atlanta has called about Dillon Brooks but Memphis wasn’t interested in Atlanta’s offer.

Mavs: Mavs have had extreme interest in Capela. The value just isn’t there for Atlanta to do a deal. They offered us back THJ and a 1^st is one of the offers that I was told about. Dallas is in search of a center bad or a big who can protect the rim and the paint.

Pels: Nothing so far. They were very active with each other at the trade deadline but it fell through.

Supes Take: Doesn’t seem likely at all.

 

Northwest:

Portland: They have talked a lot but I haven’t heard anything concrete. Atlanta wanted McCollum but NO offer had that pick in it and they wanted it badly. Atlanta wasn’t willing to move their pick. He is also hearing Hart is someone they want to keep for the long term unless he’s traded for another star which they want to pair with Lillard. Portland is a big team for my feature which is around the NBA.

Denver: They been active on the trade market but it doesn’t seem like them and Atlanta are on to something.

Wolves: They reached out to Atlanta with Russell but Atlanta declined.

Thunder: Nothing so far other than Gallo talks during or after the draft before the new year. Atlanta is looking at a TPE type deal.

Jazz: Atlanta and Utah have worked out a framework agreement with Rudy Gobert. I am told it’s going to be a future 1^st round (protected but real pick), Clint Capela, and De’Andre Hunter deal. I think it might include a gleaguer non-guarantee contract from another team player in the trade to make it financially complete.

I am told that Utah DOES NOT want to trade Gobert until they maximized all of Donovan’s trade value. They are looking for an upgrade to Mitchell, who is Damian Lillard. Lillard is not available, but they are hoping if he is, they can trade him to Utah for Mitchell to play with Gobert. Otherwise, if they can’t get a superstar for Mitchell, they are keeping him and moving Rudy to Atlanta. Utah is a massive team for me around the league coverage which will be posted soon. Do not expect a deal with Utah to be done till July. Utah is watching Portland.

Pacific:

Lakers: Offered us LeBron James. Wanted A LOT for a rental that’s 37 turning 38 next year. Atlanta has serious interest in AD but he’s been pulled from all trade talks. LA has also offered us THT which has been declined. While I wouldn’t say LeBron to Atlanta is dead, it’s unlikely unless the price drops.

Suns: While Ayton is our 2^nd highest target he’s the most difficult to get as Charlotte is in the driver’s seat and the Suns are still a realistic possibility for Ayton as CP3 is fighting for him and you don’t want to give Booker more reasons than their already is for him to go to LA and play for the Lakers.

That said, Atlanta has talked to PHX and they have a really good framework deal but Charlotte is willing on trading for PHX dead weight players that Atlanta isn’t as even if both meet the draft pick requirements and Atlanta has the better players in the deal in my personal opinion. Charlotte willing to do a BIG deal with multiple players that Atlanta can’t nor is willing to do. I would be shocked if Ayton ended up with the Hawks. I think it’s going to be down to PHX giving him the max or a CHA SnT with players like bad contract players like Payne and Shamet in the deal. Other teams in the mix is the NY Knicks and Detroit Pistons from my understanding.

Clippers: Nothing in terms of trade talk.

Warriors: Atlanta reached out about Wiggins but GS didn’t have interest at this time. We will see after the playoffs if anything is there. He is hearing whispers (NOT from GS side) that they are open to trading Klay Thompson this offseason and not for a lot. This might be something Atlanta needs to look into.

Kings: Called about John Collins. Atlanta isn’t interested in trading JC for anything less than an upgrade or similar level player at a different position.

Overall, there is a lot of potential of deals with Atlanta and teams in the Pacific division.

 

From his contacts and this is basically what I’ve put together from our conversations over the last couple of weeks. Teams feel Atlanta is looking to improve their guard play this offseason.

They don’t get the vibe that Capela is available outside of a few teams. They don’t get the feel that Kevin Huerter or De’Andre Hunter is available. They don’t get the feel that JC is truly available. They don’t believe Okongwu is available at all. In other words, Atlanta been declining a lot of offers and teams have tried but Atlanta goals are clear and it’s hard to meet them from many team’s perspective. His WAS contact who’s said Atlanta been in contact with them a lot, it wouldn’t shock them if the bench was massively different but the starters were all the same.

Based on the information I have received, here’s what I think will happen.

Atlanta does a SnT for Sexton with Bogi although CLE is pushing for Kevin.

Atlanta does a double SnT for LaVine with Delon and JC. Serious future draft considerations will be included.

Atlanta does a trade with Utah for Gobert with Capela and Hunter as well as a future 1^st.

Gallo either gets traded for Brogdon which will include two 2^nds or he’s traded for a TPE to OKC. Evan F is a possibility.

Atlanta would need a big wing, I am not sure how they fill in that big hole.

 

Trae/Sexton/Coop

LaVine/Brogdon/Mays

Huerter/???/Brown

Okongwu/JJ/???

Gobert/???/???

Atlanta would need a lot of cheap help. That goes into their #16 pick. He’s heard it was being shopped to move both up and down but it’s unlikely Atlanta trades it completely. Especially since they are about to ship out picks this offseason in future drafts. I will talk about it in the around the league thread but the 2023 draft is supposed to be DEEP and generational. So, teams WANT 2023 1sts, and some teams are willing to take a step back in 2023 to get a high pick in 2023. There will be more tanking in 2023 than in 2022. Atlanta is expecting Okongwu to take a major leap in year 3 is what he’s being told directly from Atlanta’s organization.

Supes Take: Personally, I wouldn’t trade Hunter without an ample replacement. I think it’s foolish and dumb as hell. I don’t think Kevin is right SF in a conference where you got Middleton, Tatum, Brown, Durant, Butler, and Barnes. Just my opinion. From the sounds of it, it sounds like there is a real chance Atlanta will move on from Hunter for Gobert. The rumors that Utah wants Hunter is true. Still stupid to me without a replacement for Hunter but for Gobert, I understand. He’s a game changer that will put Atlanta over the top with LaVine on board. Still, how do you guard big wings? I get the Sexton wants especially as a backup. I think I’ll rather the TPE instead of Brogdon but that’s just me. We could add like three to four decent free agents as backups via SnTs for it. Whereas Brogdon is a rental who will be gone in a year. Just my opinion. Except for Brogdon and no replacement for Hunter, I would be happy with this offseason.

I will post around the NBA soon. It's much deeper and I have a lot more info. 

[NekiEcko]

Trae/LaVine/Huerter/Okongwu/Gobert would be a okay starting line-up but I would like to see them keeping Hunter (can they give more picks to Utah for him or give them Huerter).  

[NBASupes]

13 minutes ago, NekiEcko said:

Trae/LaVine/Huerter/Okongwu/Gobert would be a okay starting line-up but I would like to see them keeping Hunter (can they give more picks to Utah for him or give them Huerter).  

No, Utah primarily want is Hunter. Their fans like Kevin the most but their organization wants Hunter.

Edited May 21, 2022 by NBASupes

[georgia]

Thank you for the article.    OO at Pf would worry me…..

Sounds like we’re trying to package Gallo and picks.    Then Bogi and picks.   
 

If we really want Lavine, my guess is Collins is gone to them.  

[georgia]

Tj Warren would be a great scoring addition off the bench.    I also think GSW will have to make a deal.   Payton, Porter, Wiggins.    No way they can keep them AND Poole and Looney after last night

 

Payton or Bruce Brown could be a Marcus Smart type.   

[DS5]

I thought we wanted longer, more physical players. I assume it’s either Lavine, Brogdon or Sexton, makes no sense to tie up close to a $100M in guards. And if we trade Hunter, we will have no perimeter defense but I understand that’d be Utah’s ask. 

[NBASupes]

6 minutes ago, georgia said:

Tj Warren would be a great scoring addition off the bench.    I also think GSW will have to make a deal.   Payton, Porter, Wiggins.    No way they can keep them AND Poole and Looney after last night

 

Payton or Bruce Brown could be a Marcus Smart type.   

I believe they will at some point since Poole is clearly a must keep. Wiggins is being seen as a must keep which is why teams around the league say Klay is available but he hasn't heard that from anyone in GS. 

 

Payton and Porter, especially Porter should be guys I think the Hawks should target personally and Porter is a FA that I've heard is a target. 

Warren is a FA target. 

Edited May 21, 2022 by NBASupes

[NBASupes]

2 minutes ago, DS5 said:

I thought we wanted longer, more physical players. I assume it’s either Lavine, Brogdon or Sexton, makes no sense to tie up close to a $100M in guards. And if we trade Hunter, we will have no perimeter defense but I understand that’d be Utah’s ask. 

I don't believe money is an issue for Tony. He wants a contender. Bar none. Whatever it takes to make it happen, that's what Tony wants. He wants to build on that 2021 playoff run. He doesn't want last year to ever happen again as long as Trae is in his prime or before his prime.

[kg01]

Man, where's @Spud2nique aka Archie deBunker? 

[georgia]

I agree…..they may have to keep Wiggins. He’s been really good.   

[DS5]

14 minutes ago, NBASupes said:

I don't believe money is an issue for Tony. He wants a contender. Bar none. Whatever it takes to make it happen, that's what Tony wants. He wants to build on that 2021 playoff run. He doesn't want last year to ever happen again as long as Trae is in his prime or before his prime.

It’s great to hear that Ressler is willing to spend the money, but my point was about having a more balanced lineup. That roster would have 4 very expensive guards including 2 Supermax, no real SF, no real PF other than JJ. 

[theheroatl]

LaVine and Gobert would work for me.. Obviously the forwards would have to be strong defensive vets not rookies paired with OO.

OO seems like a great fit at PF if he stays slim and gets speed. The problem is you are needing him on screen rolls and I don’t view him as a powerful leaper.

[Spud2nique]

24 minutes ago, kg01 said:

Man, where's @Spud2nique aka Archie deBunker? 

Will you be my Eatit? Edith? 
 

OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH AAAAAAAARRRRRRRCHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIEEEE {in my best Edith}
 

ps kg, I can’t believe you made me bust out that impersonation on a Saturday morning. You win game over 

waaaaayyyy too early..

[NBASupes]

16 minutes ago, DS5 said:

It’s great to hear that Ressler is willing to spend the money, but my point was about having a more balanced lineup. That roster would have 4 very expensive guards including 2 Supermax, no real SF, no real PF other than JJ. 

I do think Okongwu is a 4 and 5 defensively. Offensively, he's still working on that in particular his shooting range. 

There is clearly no true 3 at this time. Maybe that changes at the draft but even that player is rotational. You trade Hunter, it's unlikely you finding a replacement. There just aren't that many big wings out there. 

[NBASupes]

10 minutes ago, theheroatl said:

LaVine and Gobert would work for me.. Obviously the forwards would have to be strong defensive vets not rookies paired with OO.

OO seems like a great fit at PF if he stays slim and gets speed. The problem is you are needing him on screen rolls and I don’t view him as a powerful leaper.

Okongwu also needs to unlock that floater game. He's a good leaper in space but in traffic, he's no JC. I would be surprised if he scores 13ppg a game. I would imagine Atlanta would want to use him like old Horford or like Draymond long term

[NBASupes]

20 minutes ago, DS5 said:

It’s great to hear that Ressler is willing to spend the money, but my point was about having a more balanced lineup. That roster would have 4 very expensive guards including 2 Supermax, no real SF, no real PF other than JJ. 

Atlanta would only have one supermax and that's Gobert. They would have three max cats. That's the same amount as the Lakers and Nets going into last year. 

[JayBirdHawk]

22 minutes ago, NBASupes said:

Atlanta would only have one supermax and that's Gobert. They would have three max cats. That's the same amount as the Lakers and Nets going into last year. 

Gobert did not sign a 5 year SuperMax deal worth $228. He signed for 5yrs/$208

[JayBirdHawk]

1 hour ago, NBASupes said:

 

2.      I’ve been told Atlanta interest to bring back their FAs outside of Cooper is limited. They want to upgrade from Delon at backup PG.

3.      When it comes to bigs, there is a belief that Atlanta wants next up situation with JJ and Okongwu moving into bigger roles.

2. I understand wanting more dynamic play making from this position. Would still like to see Delon amd his defense back in some role.

3. I agree with this.

[JTB]

Wow I’m happy and disappointed.

First off to @NBASupes thanks for sharing and can’t wait for your next rumor post.

Second…to @Diesel my bad you were right apparently. The hawks want Gobert at all cost even if I don’t agree with it.

My opinion on the Positives:

Lavine- this is great news he’s a target and I wanted him some years back and I believe he has the ability to be a two way player despite his short comings defensively.

Sexton - I love the sexton idea as a backup! I’d consider that a true upgrade from Delon Wright.

Gobert - I like the idea of upgrading from Capela to Gobert. It’s going to be an extreme impact difference but sadly it sounds like we are putting Gobert in the same exact situation as the Jazz to a certain extent we will just have to see.

 

Okungwu- I been telling people that OO was a power forward and I’m glad the FO sees him as that too. I personally believe OO will have a 12 foot solid jumper coming into next season and overall I believe he’s a better defender than Collins even if he does foul a bit more right now! …an OO and Gobert defensive combo is extremely exciting! May be the best defensive big man duo in the league and that’s no stretch.

 

My opinion on the Negatives:

Hunter - I can’t see this as anything other than a big mistake trading Hunter away. His size at SF and what his defense will look like with Gobert AND OO beside him on that end would be massive defensively…..like supes said how are you going to guard big SFs without Hunter and you already traded away Cam?!!

Evan Fournier - I’m not sure that I like this as a trade target unless his contract is cheaper than either  Bogi or Huerters….then and only then I’d consider it a good target.

Brogdon - I want him here but I’m not so sure how he’d feel about coming off the bench with issues already between him and McMillan in the past. So its not really a negative here but more so a worrisome.

[JayBirdHawk]

1 hour ago, NBASupes said:

Lakers: Offered us LeBron James. Wanted A LOT for a rental that’s 37 turning 38 next year.

Can you share what they asked for?