NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks, Clint Capela, Mavericks, Pistons

Our ongoing series evaluating rosters and potential moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline (Feb. 6) …

Atlanta Hawks

The big question for Atlanta is whether they’ll leverage their assets to upgrade the roster or continue building around their current core.

With Clint Capela on an expiring $22.3 million contract and perimeter defense being a glaring issue (second-worst in 3-point field goal percentage allowed), could the Hawks move Capela, perhaps packaged with their unprotected 2025 and 2027 first-round picks?

Atlanta’s need for perimeter defense could drive them to trade one of these valuable picks for a proven defender.

They are currently seventh in the East, but with only a few key players locked in for the long term — Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, Onyeka Okongwu — the Hawks’ flexibility could be crucial heading into the trade deadline.

The team also has a wealth of trade assets, including Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller’s expiring contracts, and several promising young players such as Zaccharie Risacher and Dyson Daniels.

However, financial constraints will play a role, as the Hawks are $1.3 million below the luxury tax with multiple exceptions at their disposal.

The Hawks could move some of these assets to improve their defense or potentially land another star, as relayed by NBA insider Bobby Marks of ESPN.

Draft capital is a bit tricky for Atlanta, as they owe unprotected first-rounders to San Antonio, but they do have several pick swaps and additional second-round picks available.

Dallas Mavericks

Health will continue to be a key storyline for the Mavericks, especially with Maxi Kleber’s fractured rib and Dante Exum’s long-term absence. While the Mavs are hoping for a return to health for their key contributors, their trade value may be impacted by injuries and playing time.

One of the most intriguing players to watch is Quentin Grimes, whose role in the postseason could dictate whether he’s dealt as a restricted free agent this summer.

With the Mavs’ current roster needing to form an identity, it will be interesting to see if they move any of their pieces to balance the lineup for a playoff run.

Dallas does have some flexibility, with the ability to move its 2025 and 2031 first-round picks, though they do owe Charlotte a 2027 first.

Their financial situation sees them slightly over the tax, but they are still below the first apron, with multiple exceptions they can use.

Basically, Dallas to explore the trade market to maximize their chances in the postseason. Players like Grimes, Kleber, and a handful of young assets (Dereck Lively II, Olivier-Maxence Prosper) could be moved to improve the roster’s depth.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons’ rebuild is taking steps forward as they sit 10th in the East, but their focus remains on maximizing cap space and building draft equity.

With $14 million in cap space, Detroit is poised to act as a facilitator in trades, taking on unwanted contracts while continuing to gather assets.

They are sitting in a strong position with 11 second-round picks available, but their lack of future first-round picks from other teams means they’ll need to be strategic with their trades.

The Pistons’ tradeable players include Tim HardawayJr., Malik Beasley, and Isaiah Stewart, all on expiring contracts, as well as Simone Fontecchio.

Detroit’s draft capital includes a top-12 protected first-rounder owed to Minnesota, which could become top-10 protected depending on the years, alongside a plethora of second-round picks.

With players like Ausar Thompson and Jaden Ivey locked into long-term deals and young pieces like Jalen Duren and Marcus Sasser developing, Detroit could look to add future assets while building out their young core.

They are also in a position to take on extra salary if a deal makes sense, while continuing their path toward becoming a competitive team in the future.