Two flashy forwards swapped teams last night, with Danny Manning, the disgruntled Los Angeles Clippers star, going to Atlanta for Dominique Wilkins, the Hawks' aging but still effective highlights man. In exchange for the 27-year-old Manning, the Clippers will also receive the Hawks' first draft choice either this year or in 1995.

The deal, which came after Manning had made it clear that he would leave the Clippers when he became an unrestricted free agent after the season, was announced just before the 9 P.M. trading deadline.

Three other deals also beat the wire. The Utah Jazz acquired shooting guard Jeff Hornacek and swingman Sean Green from the Philadelphia 76ers for guard Jeff Malone. And the Milwaukee Bucks sent center/ forward Frank Brickowski to the Charlotte Hornets for Mike Gminski and a No. 1 pick and reserve center Dan Schayes to the Lakers for a conditional second-round draft pick in 1995. 'You Need Leadership'

"I've always wanted to be in L.A.," Wilkins said. "When you're on a winning team you want to stay and do well, but I'm finally coming to a team that respects me and my ability. The Clippers have talent but you need leadership, someone to step forward. I will do that for the Clippers."