For months, Pistons fans have been hearing about the same old uninspiring trade suitors for Jalen Duren but finally a new and exciting one has emerged: the Atlanta Hawks. Analyst Zach Lowe recently mentioned the Hawks as a suitor that makes sense, considering their need for size, and it's one that should have the Pistons excited too if the rumors are true.
Unlike other named suitors, the Hawks have a very solid young center they could send back in Onyeka Okongwu and also some other pieces who would be great throw-ins. Nickeil Alexander-Walker would certainly be a dream addition as a backcourt partner for Cade Cunningham that can provide instant two-way impact.
The Hawks have some enticing pieces if they want Duren
Okongwu is a very interesting trade target for the Pistons due to his shooting ability. Over the course of his NBA career, he's developed his 3-point shot to the point of being comfortable taking 5 threes a game last season and hitting 38% of them. That's arguably the perfect center to put next to Ausar Thompson as he attempts to take an offensive leap.
At the same time, Okongwu isn't a poor defender either. He averaged over a steal and a block per game last season, showing some impressive quickness and switchability for a center. He does have a weakness when it comes to size, as evidenced by his measly 7.6 rebounds per game last season. However, the Pistons have strong rebounders at other positions that can help cover for his weakness.
Alexander-Walker is another great piece the Pistons would love to acquire. He was known for his strong defense earlier in his career, then took an offensive leap last season with more opportunity in Atlanta. NAW suddenly jumped up to 21 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three, as well as creating most of his own looks. He's an ideal fit as a supporting shooting guard next to Cade.
Atlanta is unlikely to trade worthy assets for Duren
If Duren continues to drag out negotiations or indicates he won't re-sign with the Pistons, a Hawks trade package with both Okongwu and NAW would be the ideal outcome. Of course, the Hawks also know this and would use their leverage to make the terms more favorable if the Pistons got desperate.
For the same reasons that these Hawks would be great supporting pieces in Detroit, they are currently thriving in their roles in Atlanta. Jalen Johnson benefits from their spacing and defense in many of the same ways Cunningham and Thompson would. Trading their skillsets for Duren might even be a worse fit for Johnson, although it could raise the Hawks' long-term ceiling.
The decision would lie with the Hawks in this hypothetical scenario and that makes it very unlikely that the Pistons would walk away as winners of the trade. It would be a huge risk for Atlanta and not something they would do lightly.
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