2. Wizards convince Hawks to go all-in on Kyle Kuzma
Atlanta has been a disappointment so far. They are seven games under .500 and outside the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks were in the conference finals in 2021, but have been unable to recreate that magic. There are rumors of the front office becoming sellers before the deadline. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are untouchable. The Hawks want to retool around them.
Hunter is playing well, but Atlanta would love an upgrade. The 6’8 forward is in the first season of a four-year $90 million contract and his value is questionable across the league. The Hawks could trade him for Kuzma, but it would cost significant draft capital.
The Wizards likely have zero interest in paying Hunter over the next four years. He is not the worst flier for a rebuilding team, but the 26-year-old should be in his prime. His long-term deal could convince the Hawks to give up a second first-round pick. It would likely be lottery-protected, but that could be enough to make this deal a reality.
Trae Young, Kyle Kuzma, and Jalen Johnson would form an intriguing core that offers some size and switch ability around their star point guard. Both teams accomplish goals here, but the Hawks may decide to sell over buying before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.