MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 26: Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on November 26, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks are receiving trade interest in swingman Cam Reddish, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Atlanta appears to be placing a premium on the 22-year-old, with Charania reporting the Hawks are looking to get back a first-round pick in any trade.
The franchise has flexed its financial muscle over the last few years, signing Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic and giving extensions to John Collins, Clint Capela, Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. With Young's five-year, $172.6 million extension set to kick in, the Hawks are on pace to have the NBA's fourth-biggest payroll in 2022-23, per Spotrac.
The dilemma for general manager Travis Schlenk is figuring out how much he's willing to commit to the current roster. Gallinari is due to hit free agency in 2023-24, and Reddish and De'Andre Hunter will be eligible to become restricted free agents.
Reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last year was a great achievement, but the Hawks have quickly fallen back to earth as they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference at 13-13. At some point, the front office might need to pull the trigger on a trade for another star, and that will be difficult if Gallinari, Hunter and Reddish all receive extensions.
Reddish has shown improvement in his third season. He's averaging 11.1 points and 2.7 steals while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from three-point range. He's also using his 6'8" frame to be an effective defender on the perimeter.
— Hawks On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSN_Hawks) December 11, 2021
There's no question the 2019 first-round is a steady contributor for the Hawks right now. In the long term, though, his value to the organization might be highest as a trade asset. He could either fit into a deal for a marquee name or bring back a high draft pick to use on a young player whose rookie deal will ease Atlanta's financial burden.
Perhaps Reddish's star continues to rise to a point where the Hawks basically have to re-sign him like with Collins and Young. For now, the organization is smart to at least be willing to engage in conversations with opposing teams.
Kevin Durant Pours in 31 as Nets Outlast Trae Young, Hawks
Dec 11, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets high fives LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 10, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets are now 2-0 against the Hawks this year after defeating Atlanta 113-105 on Friday night at State Farm Arena to move to 18-8 for the season, the best record in the Eastern Conference.
The win comes after a disappointing 114-104 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday without Kevin Durant. Regardless, Brooklyn has now won seven of its last 10 games and is on a roll.
Durant had a tremendous game on Friday night after missing Wednesday's contest against the Houston Rockets to get some extra rest.
The 33-year-old has been used heavily this season, entering Friday's game against the Hawks having played 36.2 minutes per night, the highest he's averaged since the 2013-14 season. He played 38 minutes against Atlanta but didn't appear to be fatigued.
Durant opened up the first quarter with 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks before adding five points and two assists in the second quarter. He shot 8-of-10 from the floor in the first half and made his only attempt from deep.
Durant continued his impressive evening in the third quarter, putting up six points, one rebound and three assists before closing out the game with eight points, two rebounds and a block in the fourth quarter.
While Durant played big minutes, he has no problem doing so, telling reporters last Saturday, "I'm a basketball player. I want to play 48 minutes. That's just what it is."
If he maintains that mentality moving forward, the Nets will be in good hands.
Trae Young's Effort Not Enough
Young is the most important part of the Atlanta offense. He continued to prove that on Friday night, and he started hot. The rising star finished the first quarter with six points, one rebound and four assists before adding eight points, two rebounds and three assists in the second frame.
Young's ability to make plays was on full display on Friday night as he finished with 10 assists. It was certainly a much better performance in comparison to the Hawks' first matchup of the season against the Nets on Nov. 3. The 23-year-old finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists in that game.
Friday's game was Young's fifth consecutive game with at least 25 points and 10-plus assists. He is the first player in Hawks history to accomplish the feat and the first in the NBA since Russell Westbrook did so in 2017, per Hawks Public Relations.
He joins Russell Westbrook and Michael Jordan as the only players with 25p/10a in 5 straight games since the NBA merger (1977). pic.twitter.com/wFrpN58vGE
Kevin Huerter also had an impressive game. Through the 6:51 mark of the third quarter, he had made four of his six three-point attempts and five of his nine field-goal attempts for 14 points.
It was a bounce-back performance from Huerter, who finished Monday's game against the Timberwolves with just 10 points. But while Young and Huerter were solid on Friday night, the Hawks needed much more production out of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who finished with zero points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 31 minutes.
The Hawks also finally got Cam Reddish back on Friday after a four-game absence with a wrist injury. While he played off the bench, finishing with four points and two assists, he should return to a more regular role in the future.
What's Next?
The Nets will be on the road to take on the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, while the Hawks will host the Houston Rockets on Monday.
Joel Embiid Drops 28, Late Go-Ahead Bucket as 76ers Outlast Trae Young, Hawks
Dec 4, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 3: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 3, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers bounced back from an 88-87 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday with a 98-96 win over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
Philly had lost three of its last four games entering Friday's contest, and Joel Embiid played an important role in helping the team get back on track. With the win, the Sixers improved to 12-11 on the season.
Young will always be a topic of discussion when the Hawks play, and he was arguably the best player on the court on Friday night. The 23-year-old opened up the first quarter with six points, two rebounds, three assists and one block, which led the team.
He added another eight points and two assists in the second quarter. However, Danilo Gallinari was Atlanta's most effective scorer just before halftime, notching nine points off the bench to close out the half.
Young continued his dominance in the third quarter, adding seven points, two rebounds and five assists before closing things out in the fourth quarter with just four points.
The former All-Star entered Friday night's game having scored at least 30 points in each of his last five games, tied for the longest streak of his fledgling career.
Young continues to have a significant impact for Atlanta, averaging 26.3 points, 9.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from deep entering Friday's game.
If the Oklahoma product continues to play well, the Hawks could become one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference. Though they fell just short against the 76ers, strong performances from John Collins and Gallinari were promising signs that the team has the pieces to build upon their surprising conference finals run last season.
While Embiid is still very clearly trying to find his footing after missing nine games with COVID-19, the veteran big man had an impressive performance.
The 27-year-old opened up the game with eight points, five rebounds and one assist.
However, Embiid wasn't as effective in the second quarter, putting up just four points, one rebound and an assist just before halftime.
Embiid continued his impressive night into the third quarter, putting up 10 points, four rebounds, one assist and a block before finishing the fourth quarter with six points, two rebounds and an assist.
His most important play came with just under 43 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the score tied at 96. Embiid pulled up from 13 feet and hit the jumper over Clint Capela to give the 76ers a lead they would never relinquish.
All things considered, Embiid had a great night after hitting just 21.2 percent of field goal attempts over the last two games.
While Embiid was impressive on Friday, the Sixers needed more out of Tyrese Maxey and Danny Green despite the win. The duo combined for 21 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Granted, Philadelphia was without Tobias Harris with a non-COVID-19-related illness. The 29-year-old has been averaging 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. Nonetheless, it was a gritty victory for a 76ers team missing one of their best players.
What's Next?
The Hawks will host the Hornets on Sunday, and the Sixers will be on the road again to face Charlotte on Monday.
Hawks' Cam Reddish Ruled Out vs. Knicks After Suffering Wrist Injury
Nov 28, 2021
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks in action against the Miami Heat during the preseason game at FTX Arena on October 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish exited Saturday's game against the New York Knicks in the first quarter after sustaining a left wrist sprain and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, the team announced.
Reddish missed significant time last season because of an Achilles injury. He missed the final 42 games of the regular season before returning in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Hawks announced on March 8 that Reddish underwent a non-surgical procedure on his right Achilles. The team said one month later that he had progressed to spot-shooting and straight-line running, but he was still at least two weeks away from returning.
The Duke alum has struggled on the court since being selected No. 10 overall in the 2019 NBA draft. He was averaging 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 26 games prior to the injury. Reddish did show promise against the Bucks in the playoffs, averaging 12.8 points on 52.8 percent shooting in four games.
That has carried over to the start of the 2021-22 season. Reddish is averaging 11.9 points per game on 37.9 percent three-point shooting through 20 games.
Reddish's absence won't impact head coach Nate McMillan's rotation much since De'Andre Hunter has established himself as the starting small forward, with Kevin Huerter as the primary backup.
Trae Young on Ref Giving Him a Tech: 'I Guess It's Personal with Some of These Guys'
Nov 7, 2021
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) looks to pass against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young believes he was issued a technical during Saturday's loss to the Phoenix Suns because sometimes it's "personal" with officials.
"Dre was getting hounded by CP in the post," Young said, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. "I asked him, 'You didn't see that? You didn't see that?' He gave me a tech. I guess it's personal with some of these guys."
The point guard was issued the technical foul with Atlanta nursing a two-point lead with just more than three minutes remaining. While Devin Booker missed the ensuing free throw, the Suns were still able to complete the comeback for the 121-117 win.
Phoenix outscored the Hawks 35-19 in the decisive fourth quarter.
The Hawks are now just 4-6 on the season after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020-21 campaign.
Trae Young: Hawks Need to Find 'Motivation' to Play Like It's the Playoffs
Nov 5, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 4: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 4, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks fell to the Utah Jazz 116-98 on Thursday to drop to 4-5, and superstar guard Trae Young thinks the team needs to start treating every contest like it's a playoff game.
However, he acknowledged that it's hard to do.
"I think guys are learning that," Young said, per The Athletic's Chris Kirschner. "We're no longer the hunters. It's regular season. I'm not going to lie, it's a lot more boring than the playoffs. You got to find that motivation to play like the playoffs."
Young also said, per Kirschner: "We have to figure out who's going to sacrifice for this team to win. It's all about winning at the end of the day. If you win, everyone eats."
The Hawks began the season 3-1 but have lost four of their last five games to some of the best teams in the NBA, including the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Young did much of the heavy-lifting Thursday, putting up 21 points, four rebounds and seven assists. He leads the team with 22.4 points per game through nine contests, but the remainder of the roster hasn't lived up to expectations.
John Collins is averaging just 14.9 points per game, and De'Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and Kevin Huerter are underperforming.
Hawks head coach Nate McMillan expressed frustration with Thursday's loss, telling reporters that players have to earn minutes:
Nate McMillan: "I can’t give minutes, you have to earn them. That’s what I’ll start to do more of, if you’re not giving it to this team on both ends of the floor, then we’ll rotate some guys in."
McMillan noted that he will evaluate the team's last two games and might make changes to the lineup, adding someone who will provide a "spark" and play solid defense.
Nate McMillan said he has to evaluate the last two nights, at all positions:
"We need a spark. We need some energy to lift us, and we need some guys that'll go out there and defend... We need two-way players, and not all of your energy focused on one end of the floor."
The Hawks entered the 2021-22 season with high expectations after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last year. Collins even said before the season began that he believed the team was a "real contender."
"Our goal is to get to the Finals," he said. "Losing is always a failure in our minds. If it's not a championship, it won't be good enough."
Young also told Kirschner in an interview last month that he isn't content with how last season ended.
The Hawks will have a chance to get rid of some of that discontent and take Young's words to heart Saturday in Phoenix.
Hawks' Trae Young Fined $15K for Making Contact with Ref During Loss to Wizards
Oct 29, 2021
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) and guard Trae Young (11) plead their case with referee Ben Taylor (46) during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The NBA on Friday fined Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young $15,000 for making contact with an official during Thursday's 122-111 loss against the Washington Wizards.
He received a technical for the contact, making him one of five players to get one in the contest.
Young was not pleased with the officiating afterwards.
"There's a lot of missed calls," he said after the game. "It's basketball. It's just, it feels that they're learning, and they're just—I don't know. It's frustrating."
Young then focused on the NBA's emphasis on referees to not call fouls when offensive players seek contact. He's been something of a serial offender when it comes to foul-hunting.
"You can watch basketball," he said. "Damian Lillard's never averaged 17 points probably since his rookie year. There's a couple guys. I mean, [Devin Booker's] averaging 18. There's a lot of things that, when guys are driving straight and guys are getting knocked off balance—it's still a foul, whether they're using their lower body or their hands."
James Harden, another serial foul-hunter, hasn't been happy with the changes either.
"I'm not the type to complain about it. I asked every official if they see a foul, just call a foul," he told reporters this week. "Sometimes I feel like coming into a game it's already predetermined. I already have that stigma of getting foul calls—a foul is a foul no matter what league it is."
Others love the changes, however:
Steve Kerr on the way referees aren't rewarding foul-hunting tactics: "I love what I'm seeing. I think the officials are doing a great job. The game has more of an authentic feel."
On the take foul in transition: "I think that's next (to get legislated out)." pic.twitter.com/Q9hHU8jffr
After utilizing his ability to get to the foul line as a major component of his offensive game—he averaged 9.3 free-throw attempts per game in 2019-20 and 8.7 last season—Young is at just 4.4 this season.
He'll have to use the guile he showed in drawing fouls to generate other creative ways to score in the new NBA.
Hawks' Trae Young Says NBA's New Foul Rules Create 'a Lot of Missed Calls'
Oct 29, 2021
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) drives past Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto (19) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Washington. The Wizards won 122-111. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young said the league's rule change on fouls is "frustrating" after a 122-111 loss to the Washington Wizards.
"There's a lot of missed calls," he told reporters. "It's basketball. It's just, it feels that they're learning, and they're just—I don't know. It's frustrating."
The league announced before the season it would limit calls on "non-basketball moves" designed to draw fouls. Young saw this firsthand Thursday as he was limited to 15 points while going to the free-throw line just three times.
The guard is averaging 4.4 free-throw attempts per game this season after averaging 8.7 in 2020-21.
Young noted there's a difference between what the league is trying to do with what has been implemented to start the season:
Veering back and jumping into guys—that's different. There are certain things that, I agree with the rule changes, but then there's things that are still fouls, and guys are going to get hurt. Especially a smaller guy like me who's going up against bigger and stronger defenders, they're using their body and they're using their legs and their hands to stop me.
Several star players who are used to getting points from the free-throw line are also off to slow starts in 2021-22.
James Harden is only averaging 16.6 points per game while averaging three attempts from the charity stripe each game this year. When he won the scoring title in 2019-20, Harden averaged 11.8 free-throw attempts per game.
Young also noted Damian Lillard and Devin Booker have struggled to replicate their past scoring production.
The rule changes could force these players to make adjustments in their style of play as the season progresses.
Trae Young Leads Hawks to Narrow Win vs. Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
Oct 28, 2021
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young goes to the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The New Orleans Pelicans were once again without their top player Wednesday night. The Atlanta Hawks were not.
And that was the difference in Atlanta's 102-99 win over the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center that saw the Hawks erase a 16-point first-quarter deficit. While Trae Young continued his excellent start to the 2021-22 season, Zion Williamson remained out of action as he recovers from offseason surgery on his foot.
Brandon Ingram had a chance to give the Pelicans a win in the late stages, but his contested jumper with just over a second remaining was an air ball, and the ball bounced out of bounds to Atlanta.
De'Andre Hunter on Brandon Ingram ... Ingram misses the jumper.
Brandon Ingram forces up a tough shot and the Hawks get possession with 1.5 to go. Rough possession all around. Hawks sent multiple guys at Ingram to possibly seal the game.
The Pelicans have tried to pick up the slack in Williamson's absence. After a 1-4 start, however, it's fair to say they've had limited success.
"You can see he is progressing and doing more and more on the floor," head coach Willie Green told reporters after Tuesday's practice, regarding Williamson. "Once he has his latest round of scans, then we’ll have a clearer picture of where we go from here. But he's getting better, he's progressing, he's on the floor now, running, doing a lot more. We'll have an update soon."
Atlanta (3-1) will be happier with their start to the season. It's easier to win when your young superstar is on the court.
Key Stats
Trae Young, ATL: 31 points, seven assists, five rebounds
John Collins, ATL: 16 points, 12 rebounds
De'Andre Hunter, ATL: 13 points
Brandon Ingram, NOP: 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks
Devonte' Graham, NOP: 21 points, six assists
Jonas Valanciunas, NOP: 16 points, 15 rebounds
Trae Young Did Trae Young Things
On a night that saw Cam Reddish finally slow his torrid scoring pace to start the season (18.7 PPG coming into Wednesday), the Hawks really needed Young to carry the offense.
The Hawks have incredible balance, with an impressive collection of role players. But it's fair to argue they don't have a true second star on the roster, meaning on some nights Young is going to have to carry them across the line himself.
Wednesday was one of those nights.
Devonte' Graham Tried to Pick Up the Slack
With Ingram having the rare off night (8-of-21 from the field)—and Williamson and Josh Hart unavailable—the Pelicans desperately needed someone else to step up.
Graham gave it the old college try, torching the Hawks from beyond the arc (5-of-10).
It wasn't enough to get a win over a tough Hawks team. But Graham was at least a bright spot for a Pelicans team that has been short on them to start the year.
What's Next?
New Orleans hosts the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at 8 p.m. ET. The Hawks travel to Washington for a Thursday matchup with the Wizards at 7 p.m. ET.
NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks' Cam Reddish Being Monitored by Rival Execs
Oct 24, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 21: Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 21, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks guard Cam Reddish could be a top trade target for NBA teams early in the 2021-22 season.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported "rival executives are monitoring his availability" after Reddish was on the trade block around the 2021 draft.
The third-year player is off to a hot start to the season while averaging 19.5 points through two games off the bench. He averaged 10.7 points across 84 games during his first two seasons combined.
An Achilles injury limited the guard to just 26 games in 2020-21 and consistency has been an issue, but opposing teams could be attracted to the upside.
"He fits the mold that teams have a need for right now," an NBA executive told Scotto. "He’s a 6'8" athletic and versatile player that can make shots. He can create with the ball. He’s got the skillset tools and size. Right now, he doesn’t have a good sample size of being consistent. It’s just been flashes. He’s definitely somebody I’d be going after."
Despite the obvious talent, there is a bit of a logjam on the wing after Kevin Huerter signed a four-year, $65 million extension with Atlanta. Bogdan Bogdanovic and De'Andre Hunter are also ahead of Reddish in the rotation.
The Hawks could take advantage of the guard's hot start and deal Reddish before his current contract runs out in 2023.
On the other hand, Atlanta has high expectations this year after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals a year ago. The organization might not want to deal away a productive bench player who is hitting his stride.
