NBA trade proposal sends Anthony Davis to Hawks

The Hawks have pieces to make a significant trade. Anthony Davis would certainly qualify as a significant addition.

Whether he would be worth the price is another discussion.

Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World explored a hypothetical deal that would send the Wizards big man to Atlanta, pairing Davis with Jalen Johnson and giving the Hawks a considerable boost inside. The proposed exchange:

• Hawks receive: Anthony Davis.
• Wizards receive: CJ McCollum, Onyeka Okongwu, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2028 first-round pick via Utah/Cavs and a 2029 first-round pick.

This is a trade idea, not a report of negotiations between the teams. Washington’s 4-8 start also doesn’t automatically mean Davis is available. Still, the basketball appeal for Atlanta is easy to understand.

Davis is averaging 25.2 points and 10.0 rebounds through 10 appearances. Put him behind perimeter defenders such as Dyson Daniels and Lu Dort, alongside Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and the Hawks would have several ways to make opponents uncomfortable.

He would also give Atlanta an established scorer who can finish possessions inside and command attention away from Johnson.

For Washington, the attraction would start with the two first-round picks and Okongwu, who is averaging 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds. McCollum’s expiring contract would offer additional flexibility.

But the Wizards would have to decide they’re ready to change direction after bringing Davis and Trae Young together. Twelve games would be an awfully quick verdict.

Atlanta would have difficult questions of its own. Moving three players for Davis would reduce its depth, and his injury history makes that a meaningful concern. His future contract expectations would also need to be part of any evaluation.

Still, Davis could raise the Hawks’ ceiling. The challenge would be improving their chances enough to justify the picks, players and longer-term commitment.

That’s a bigger decision than simply deciding he’s better than the players going out.

• More Hawks: Hawks have pieces for a trade, but finding the right upgrade is another matter
• More Wizards: Wizards have a shooting problem, starting with Trae Young