Thaddeus Young and Jarrett Jack (Photo : Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks could be looking to trade their two first round picks for veteran talents who could be assurance if Al Horford joins another team in free agency.
The Hawks moved Jeff Teague in a three-team blockbuster deal with the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz, according to The Vertical. The Hawks sent Teague to the Pacers and received the Jazz's No. 12 pick, while Utah got George Hill from Indiana.
The Hawks were reportedly interested in climbing up the draft to select a high-level prospect who could serve as somewhat a guaranteed talent if Horford considers leaving Atlanta in free agency. With the Jazz's No. 12 pick and Atlanta's own No. 21, they have a great chance of selecting two young prospects in this year's draft class.
However, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Hawks seem to have a change of mind as they now try to shop their two first-rounders, which could possibly be an attempt to acquire young veterans or move higher in the draft order.
One possible trade scenario, according to Lewis Jones of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, is sending the 12th overall pick, Tim Hardaway Jr and Tiago Splitter to the Brooklyn Nets for Thaddeus Young and Jarrett Jack.
"The Hawks might not have Horford next season, and Young is a solid replacement for a team that made the playoffs. Young is obviously a power forward, but so was Horford. The duo of Young and Paul Millsap would be enticing," Jones wrote.
"It's obvious that Brooklyn will shop Jack or release him, but the Nets could use Thaddeus Young to get it over the line."
The Nets have been in the hunt for trade partners who could give them a chance to draft a first round prospect, according to Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy, with one rival executive confident Brooklyn could get one. While teams like the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly open to trading their top picks, the Nets do not possess worth the No. 3 or No. 5 picks.
A package of Young and Jack should be enough to get Brooklyn the No. 12 pick from the Hawks and key players in Hardaway and Splitter.
On the other hand, while Young may not have the same skillset Horford has, the 28-year-old power forward would still be a key addition for the Hawks. His versatility to defend multiple positions and athleticism should give him quality minutes at the forward spot. Adding Jack gives the Hawks a veteran backup PG to carry some of Schroder's workload running the point.
It remains to be seen whether the Hawks will be enticed by a package of Young and Jack, but if they consider the strong possibility of Horford leaving Atlanta, it may be a great deal after all.
