NBA Rumors: 5 teams who could trade for Lonzo Ball

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Miami Heat during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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2. Atlanta Hawks

Ball has a fairly narrow way to fit perfectly in the same backcourt with someone. He needs the ball in his hands, and any idea he can operate off the ball effectively as a perimeter threat is here and gone as quickly as his time alongside LeBron James ended. He is also a solid defensive player, with the size (6-foot-6) to take on tougher matchups.

Trae Young is virtually Ball’s polar opposite. An easily tabbed Stephen Curry clone, he can shoot the lights out and score with the best of them (29.6 points per game this season; 36.1 percent from 3-point range; 59.5 True Shooting Percentage). But he adds little production defensively (one steal per game for his career), and he’s truly a detriment on that end of the floor (-2.8 and -2.3 Defensive Box Plus/Minus in his two seasons respectively).

The Hawks are assembling a solid young team, led by Young but also including Cam Reddish, John Collins, De’Andre Hunter and Kevin Huerter. Another big man might be a need, but they have two under contract in Clint Capela (assuming he’s healthy) and Dewayne Dedmon.

Right now, the Hawks have the most cap space the league for next season. So they could add a cheaper veteran big man to back up Capela, maybe add another piece or two and offload the more expensive Dedmon in a trade.

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