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5 teams that need to trade their 2016 NBA Draft pick

By Connor Muldowney

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts after his basket against the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) reacts after his basket against the Boston Celtics in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Atlanta Hawks (No. 21)

Sure, the Atlanta Hawks were one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but even after taking down the Boston Celtics in round one, they were exposed in the Eastern Conference Semifinals this year by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Couple the fact that they aren’t quite “there” yet with the potential of losing Al Horford to free agency and the Hawks may need to trade up in order to find a replacement.

No. 21 overall is a solid place to find a decent role player who could develop into a starter eventually, but if Atlanta wants to get better and younger, it’ll need to possibly trade into lottery in the 2016 NBA Draft.

There may not be many teams looking to move down, but for the right price, the Hawks could jump ahead a few spots and draft guys like Deyonta Davis, Skal Labissiere or even Henry Ellenson who are all projected as top 20 picks.

Replacing Horford should be the top priority, even if he chooses to re-sign with the Hawks. Adding a big man would be ideal with the aging frontcourt.

Even if it means trading a future first-round pick, the Hawks need to jump ahead to the draft to finally get to where they need to be to contend for an Eastern Conference title.

Next: 3. Detroit Pistons

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