NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks Exploring Possibilities For Sixth Overall Pick Rights

The Atlanta Hawks already have a fine group of young players and could add another one in the 2020 NBA Draft.

With other clubs centered on names like Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman, the Hawks could get a sleeper pick in November if they did the right scouting.

However, Atlanta could explore options with the sixth overall pick. Rather than take in another young cager, the Hawks could check out the market to see who would have an interest in this year’s draft.

They are in a good position, but if the club intends to make a run at the playoffs, they need a proven NBA star in the mix, The Ringer reported citing unnamed sources.

The Hawks need to back Trae Young with a formidable crew. Already there to do that is John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish.

There are also Clint Capella and Dewayne Dedmon, two big men that could spell a difference this 2020-21 NBA season.

But with roughly $43 million in cap space and a flexible salary cap, Atlanta could get some added talent from the free-agent market this offseason.

Assuming they fail to find takers for the sixth overall pick, head coach Lloyd Pierce needs to figure out what the team needs. Based on NBA mock drafts, Obi Toppin and Onyeka Okongwu would make sense although the latter would crowd the center position.

If providing Young with the offense is the goal, a plausible addition would be Deni Avdija or Tyrese Haliburton. But one thing these names do not have is experience.

There are teams open to getting younger, and some big names are available this summer.

If Pierce wants a proven veteran, names like Gordon Hayward or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could make sense. Both have player options, and the latter is the one who has hinted at opting out and exploring the market.

Hayward has yet to decide, and walking out of a good deal now would be foolish. The case is different with Caldwell-Pope who is looking for a larger deal following his steller showing during the 2019-20 NBA Finals.

There are other names to consider this offseason, and getting a veteran rather than another young player makes more sense. So the question right now is who can the Hawks land?