Three Trade Targets the Hawks Could Pursue Using Buddy Hield's Contract

Shooting is the most valuable skill in the NBA. Even a player who can't do anything else at an NBA level can find space in someone's rotation if he's an elite shooter.

That said, pure shooting specialists can have limited appeal. A player who can't put the ball on the floor and make a play for himself sees his value take a hit. A notoriously bad defender shouldn't be surprised to play for several different teams throughout his career. That type of player is going to get traded.

Such is the case for the Atlanta Hawks' Buddy Hield. He's one of the best shooters in the world, but he doesn't do much else. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Hawks looked to move Hield at some point this season.

Here are three players they could target using his contract.

Derrick Jones Jr., Los Angeles Clippers

Much of the same could be said for defensive specialists. A player who doesn't offer much offensively is a limited player. So, when Derrick Jones Jr.'s shot started dropping at the NBA level, his value increased significantly.

Not that he's a sniper. Jones Jr. hit 35.9% of his triples for the Clippers last year. That's a fine mark, but considering everything he offers on the defense end, it's more than sufficient.

He makes roughly the same money as Hield ($9 million), too. The Hawks could likely attach a handful of second-round picks to Hield's contract and get a deal done for Jones Jr.

Although, if they feel their wing rotation is too crowded, they could go a different route.

Davion Mitchell, Miami Heat

Mitchell is another player with a 3-and-D skillset. He hit 39.5% of his threes for the Heat last season.

At 6-foot-0, he was never supposed to thrive as a defensive specialist. Yet, here he is. Mitchell has great instincts, fast hands, and fast feet. He's also relentlessly energetic. Mitchell is able to lock up bigger opponents with surprising regularity.

That could make him a perfect mentor for the comparable Kingston Flemings. Alternatively, the Hawks could feel that he steps on Flemings' toes. If the rookie is struggling by the deadline, Mitchell could be a solid addition.

Otherwise, they could seek help in a different area.

Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

Gafford isn't a shooter, but he provides vertical spacing. This is one of the best lob men in the NBA. It's a huge part of how he's been able to shoot an astonishing 70.2% from the field for his career.

He's also an excellent defensive big. Gafford is a high-end rim protector, and he's better in space than some big men. There's a lot to love there.

Well, as with all these proposals, it will depend on where the Hawks feel they need help. If Onyeka Okongwu, Jock Landale, and one of Zuby Ejiofor or Henri Veesaar are collectively getting the job done, they may not be interested in Gafford. There's even a chance Hield's shooting will be enough to keep him on the roster.

Hawks Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hawks. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.