NBA Rumors: Hawks Target Big-Name Players To Bolster Playoff Hopes

The Atlanta Hawks are not the same team that most saw last season, sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference.

However, they are not ready to give up the fight and are reportedly in the mix to possibly snag some of the big names available in the market.

According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Atlanta is not about to throw in the towel and it may be wise to keep a close eye on the Hawks as the NBA trade deadline winds down.

The Hawks prefer to make a push to the NBA playoffs. Although they could still make it via the play-in route, head coach Nate McMillan and company want to make sure they have the right mix to contend with other higher-seeded teams.

With that said, the names of Ben Simmons, Jerami Grant, Marcus Smart and CJ McCollum are reportedly on the Hawks' radar.

This may explain why the Hawks have been constantly mentioned in trade talks according to sources.

Thus far, the only player the Hawks have moved is Cam Reddish, someone they shipped to the New York Knicks for a future pick.

But instead of collecting more, it appears Atlanta wants to make an impact as early as now and enjoy the best of both scenarios.

All the names mentioned would make sense for the Hawks, who need talent that can complement its young roster of stars led by Trae Young.

But similar to most, the big problem is meeting the demands of these teams for those mentioned names.

From the list of names that the Hawks are targeting, the one involving Simmons holds no promise, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported.

Most are aware that Sixers president Daryl Morey wants a young top star in exchange and the Hawks may not have that particular person on the roster.

McCollum, Smart or Grant could be more realistic options for the Hawks.

But for any deal to move forward, Atlanta will have to come up with a package that will convince the Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons respectively to sign on the dotted line.