NBA Trade Rumors: Hawks are circling Lonzo Ball

It is NBA Trade Deadline week, one of the most exciting weeks of the entire season as teams and GM’s around the league maneuver through a game of high-stakes roster poker. Many players put on the trade block are merely having their value evaluated as teams attempt to gauge perceived strengths and vulnerabilities. Thursday will bring the fireworks, so let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories to look for over the next couple days.

Is Lonzo Ball bound for Atlanta?

The Pelicans’ 2020-21 season is effectively over, so it may be time for the team to look towards next season and beyond. While point guard Lonzo Ball has been having the best year of his career, there are a number of teams pursuing the creative point guard.

The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers are among the most interested parties, but the Pelicans have been adamant about getting a fair return for their starter. The likeliest offer is from the Atlanta Hawks, who have floated Cam Reddish as trade bait. Reddish played with Zion Williamson at Duke and the former lottery pick might benefit from a change of scenery.

Miami is targeting Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry has been on the rumor list for a while now, and speculation about the Raptors point guard has not subsided. The likeliest destination for Lowry is now Miami, as the Heat have an appealing trade piece in Duncan Robinson to send in return.

Lowry is still an elite defender and could help run an offense that sometimes looks overly reliant on Jimmy Butler’s isolation play late in games. The Heat proved last season that they were on the verge of a championship, and bringing in a veteran like Lowry might be enough to put them right back in contention.

Aaron Gordon's "Magical" run is about to end

Aaron Gordon has dealt with injuries, but at his best is an extremely athletic power forward that can be a borderline All-Star.

The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are two fringe contenders that could benefit from his services, and also offer the appeal of being an immediate contender for a player that has spent much of his career on losing teams.

Nemanja Bjelica is natural fit for the Celtics

The Sacramento Kings continue to produce rosters that have a number of appealing and talented pieces but can’t get over the hump as a full unit. As a result, they become a popular target for teams looking to supplement their own rosters.

One player that looks to potentially be on the move is sharp-shooting Nemanja Bjelica. Bjelica may be a target of the Boston Celtics, who could use outside shooting help to open more lanes for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He is a career 38.7% shooter from three, while the Celtics are 18th in the NBA in threes made per game.

Raptors and Hornets both covet Richaun Holmes

Richaun Holmes is quietly having one of the most efficient shooting seasons in the NBA this season. He is a low-volume shooter, but sits behind only Joe Harris, Joe Ingles, and Jarrett Allen in effective field goal percentage.

The Raptors and Charlotte Hornets both have been reported as coveting Holmes, and the Hornets will have to decide if they still want to make a playoff push now that LaMelo Ball is out for the season. Holmes could provide immediate post depth to any team looking to forfeit draft picks or young talent for his services.