Grading Dunc’d On’s mock trade involving Detroit Pistons’ Andre Drummond

Atlanta Hawks: A

The Atlanta Hawks need a center to pair with Trae Young and Drummond is the best option out there. They have the cap space to offer him a contract in the summer but trading for him now would also grant them bird rights.

That’s not as important though as having him for the rest of the season. The Hawks basically give nothing up and get to evaluate how well Drummond fits with the rest of the pieces.

Young is one of the best passers in the league with unlimited range. Having Drummond, one of the best roll men in the league, beside him should unlock each others’ games. The big man will also be the defensive anchor the Hawks desperately need.

Atlanta has one of the worst defenses in the NBA this season that also struggles on the boards. Drummond would do a lot to fix those problems and get the team back on track to build a winning culture.

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However, the fit with John Collins at power forward is not as clear. While the promising young player has displayed some floor-spacing ability, his game relies on him rolling to the rim. Having him spot up while Drummond rolls would take away from his strengths.

So, if the Hawks are willing to sign Drummond this summer, it would actually make a ton of sense for them to get him now and see how well they play together. Especially if they don’t have to part with significant assets to do it.

If they’re not impressed with what they see, they can take a different direction in the summer. The worst-case scenario is Drummond picking up his player option and the Hawks have to run with him for a season.

However, there’s little incentive for Drummond to opt-in if things are not going well for him in Atlanta. Even if he does, he is a free stopgap for a year. He’ll at least help their defense.

On the other hand, Collins could take another step as a spot-up shooter, Young and Drummond could form a formidable pick and roll duo and the Hawks find a way to salvage their defense.