The Atlanta Hawks Should Inquire About Orlando’s Mo Bamba

If such a deal were to be consummated, the Atlanta Hawks would also surrender a first round draft pick. The team can afford to do so, with five picks in the next three drafts.

The pick would be lottery protected for two years and top ten protected for two years after that, if it has not conveyed. Finally the pick would move to top seven protected until it conveys.

Such a move would be worth it for Atlanta, as they would likely target a center in round one, with one of their two picks in the 2020 draft. This way they can go ahead and get their center into the program and allow him to build chemistry with the team a year in advance.

The Atlanta Hawks are also unlikely to have a top ten pick next year, so getting the former number six overall pick would be great value.

The Atlanta Hawks roster would look as follows:

PG: Trae Young, Evan Turner, Jaylen Adams

SG: Kevin Huerter, Allen Crabbe,

SF: De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Solomon Hill

PF: John Collins, Bruno Fernando

C: Alex Len, Mo Bamba, Miles Plumlee

Executing a two for one trade such as this, would also clear out another roster spot for the Atlanta Hawks. That would clear the way for Vince Carter to return as a reserve combo forward.

De’Andre Hunter would also play a lot of power forward in the team’s potent small ball lineup. The team could also entertain signing another project big man, like former top ten pick Dragan Bender of the Phoenix Suns.

A point guard that shoots well enough, to play off ball in the backcourt beside Evan Turner with the second unit, but defend point guards, would be another welcomed addition to the team. Raul Neto, Quinn Cook and T.J. McConnell are guys that could fit the qualifications, of what the Atlanta Hawks need in a backup lead guard.

Solomon Hill and Miles Plumlee are the two most likely candidates to receive contract buyouts. One of the two men, who don’t figure into the long-term plans being released, would help to clear another roster spot.

Wing player Allen Crabbe expressed displeasure upon first learning he was traded to Atlanta. If he’s come to grips with the move, he could prove to be a valuable addition.

This could all be a pipe dream. The Orlando Magic may have just decided to pay Nikola Vucevic, rather than lose him for nothing. They could be planning to trade him away after next season, to clear the way for Mo Bamba.

Some team could also decide to come with a better offer. There is also a chance that the Orlando Magic could take a slightly lesser offer for Bamba from a Western Conference team, rather than trade the young rim protector to a conference and division rival.

One thing is certain, Mo Bamba will never earn a good second contract, if he isn’t given the opportunity to play. Another certainty is, the only way that the Atlanta Hawks will find out if Bamba is truly is available, is to pickup the phone and call the Orlando Magic.