Are the Atlanta Hawks looking to trade multiple veterans?

The Rumor mill is churning here in early January.

Many across the NBA are reporting of the Hawks at least listening to trade offers for Paul Millsap, Thabo Sefolosha, and Kyle Korver. It’s hard to say this early how likely any deal actually is, but this chatter over a month before the trade deadline is certainly of note.

Paul Millsap is a guy who has thrived in the Atlanta uniform over his tenure. However, he is very likely to decline his player option next season and become a free agent. This makes a trade more difficult, but the Hawks are not optimistic of him returning next season. The goal is to get any sort of return over none. Keep in mind the hawks were close to a deal last off-season in their efforts to retain Al Horford.

A trade seems more likely with Sefolosha or Korver. Both are impending free agents as well, with less of a contract commitment then Millsap. The hawks could be looking to flip one or the other for a draft pick or a player with perhaps more upside. Still, it could be difficult to make a deal knowing they are still in the thick of the playoff race. So because of this, Atlanta could refrain from a deal unless the return is really impressive.

Hawks first and foremost trying to gauge interest.

At this point in time, it’s safe to say nothing is close to definite. The Hawks are looking to find the level of interest in these guys and maybe sell high if possible. Millsap is someone who will have plenty of suitors, but with his upcoming free agency it could be tough to get a massive return. If anything, Korver or Sefolosha might be more likely to be flipped in the end.

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These rumors coming out of the hawks front office aren’t necessary surprising. In the end though, with the chance of another playoff appearance coming, Atlanta won’t pull the trigger without something they can really excel with.