With the trade deadline vastly approaching the Atlanta Hawks currently sit at 15-37 and are clearly going to be sellers next week. The players reportedly on the trade block are sharpshooter Marco Belinelli and stretch big man Ersan Ilyasova. Both players are playing well for Atlanta but it is clear that it is time for the Hawks to start giving their younger players more playing time. The Hawks have a star in the making by the name of John Collins and an interesting prospect in Tyler Dorsey both being blocked by veterans in front of them in the rotation. The following are trades that the Atlanta Hawks should make before the trade deadline.

SG Marco Belinelli and F/C Mike Muscala to Philadelphia for PF Trevor Booker, BKN 2018 2nd Round pick, and NYK 2018 2nd Round pick

Marco Belinelli has been a solid rotation player for years in the NBA and that hasn’t changed since signing with the Atlanta Hawks last offseason. Belinelli is shooting 37% from beyond the arc this season which makes him really enticing to teams. Mike Muscala signed a 1-year deal with a player option for next season which he is likely to opt out of. This means the Atlanta Hawks would be wise to get some value for him now rather then waiting for his decision after the season. This trade is all about receiving value for a players on expiring contracts. Trevor Booker would be a prime buyout candidate and the BKN 2nd rounder is likely to be in the 31-40 range coupling it with the Hawks own 2nd round pick which is currently slotted at 31. The Knicks pick is currently slotted at 42. More picks means more ammo for the Hawks to speed this rebuild along.

PF Ersan Ilyasova and SF Luke Babbitt to Minnesota for G/F Shabazz Muhammad, Cole Aldrich, and 2018 MIN 2nd round pick

Ersan Ilyasova has played very well for the hawks in his two year stint with the club averaging 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds this season. Ilyasova is at an astonishing rate from the floor at 45% and 35% from beyond the arc. Luke Babbitt is currently shooting 43% from beyond the arc but he has seen sporadic playing time since signing with the Hawks. The Hawks would be getting a player that could become a decent rotation if placed in the right system and another player that would sit while the younger players get their minutes on the court. Ersan Ilyasova and Luke Babbitt both signed 1-year deals so it would be wise to try and get some value for them. Minnesota gains two floor spacers and the Hawks gain a 3-and-D prospect and late 2nd round pick in this years draft.

It has been reported that multiple general managers around the league have said that the entire Hawks roster is available so be ready to see some major changes to this roster come next Thursday. Whenever any trade occurs we must thank them for their services and giving hawks fans something to cheer for this season. Stay tuned for more Atlanta Hawks coverage.

DaVonte Hughes | @CookieByNature

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