Can the Atlanta Hawks use De'Andre Hunter to acquire this All-Star? Where can Hunter eventually land

Damian Lillard and James Harden have dominated this summer’s trade rumor mill, but Pascal Siakam has found himself in there too. De’Andre Hunter could well be the key piece to this puzzle. The 29-year-old, Siakim doesn’t appear equipped to carry the Toronto Raptors much further than mediocrity as the No. 1 guy, but he’s won a championship as a No. 2. And since he doesn’t seem to fit his team’s timeline anymore, at least one team is interested in rediscovering that championship version of Siakam.

Enter the intriguing trade proposal involving the Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors could part ways with Siakam, setting the stage for a potential four-team trade that might benefit all parties involved.

Trade Scenario involving De’Andre Hunter  and Pascal Siakim

In this proposed trade scenario, the Toronto Raptors would receive De’Andre Hunter, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, James Bouknight, Vit Krejci, a 2029 first-round pick from Atlanta, and a 2030 first-round pick swap from the Hawks. On the flip side, they would lose Pascal Siakam, Thaddeus Young, and Otto Porter Jr.

For the Hawks, the inclusion of De’Andre Hunter adds both pros and cons to the equation. De’Andre Hunter, drafted fourth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, brings a solid scoring average of 15.4 points per game, coupled with an impressive 46.1% field goal shooting and valuable defensive skills. On the flip side, parting ways with Hunter would mean relinquishing a promising young talent who signed a substantial rookie contract extension, indicating the Hawks’ belief in his potential.

Pascal Siakam, on the other hand, could potentially inject championship experience and versatility into the Hawks’ lineup. His ability to thrive as a complementary star could offer an intriguing dynamic alongside Trae Young. Nevertheless, questions arise about Siakam’s consistency and fit within the team’s scheme.

As for De’Andre Hunter’s journey thus far, the 25-year-old’s career averages of 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists showcase his potential to contribute across multiple facets of the game. His recent contract extension signals Atlanta’s commitment to his development.

#Sources — Atlanta has offered Deandre Hunter, Aj Griffin and draft compensation for Toronto’s Pascal Siakam. Raptors will continue to listen to offers but are in no rush to get a deal done until they get value they deem is fair. Trade talks could go well into the regular season.…

— NBATradeReport (@NBATradeReport) August 8, 2023

While the trade seems plausible, various factors could determine its feasibility. Toronto’s willingness to part with Siakam for the right deal is influenced by their cautious approach to a max contract extension. This potential exchange could provide a fresh start for both Siakam and the Raptors, while also shaping the trajectory of the Hawks’ roster.

In the ever-evolving landscape of NBA trades, the proposed Siakam-Hunter swap highlights the intricate balance between potential gains and risks for all parties involved. It remains to be seen whether this trade rumor will materialize into a transformative move or remain an enticing yet unrealized scenario.

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