Potential trade on draft day between Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks fails to materialize

Author: Monojit Mandal

Negotiations between the Atlanta Hawks and the Dallas Mavericks over what appeared to be an imminent trade on draft day ended in failure due to the inability to agree on the terms of the deal. The two clubs were discussing a team swap, with Atlanta’s 10th pick and Dallas’ 15th pick at the center of the talks. However, there were problems establishing who was involved in the deal.

The addition of Hawks forward Clint Capela, according to reliable sources, was a major stumbling block in the discussions. Marc Stein said that the Hawks, anxious for the 10th pick and Dvis Bertns, gave the Mavericks the 15th pick and John Collins. However, the Hawks openly stated that they would only part with Capela if the Mavericks included swingman Josh Green in the deal. Unfortunately for Atlanta, the Mavericks turned down that deal, as well as all the others involving Collins.

During the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed that the Hawks have also shown interest in acquiring point guard Jaden Hardy. The Mavericks, on the other hand, were adamant about keeping Green and Hardy because they considered them to be promising young players.

Clint Capela, a nine-year veteran known for his strong play on both ends of the court, averages 12.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in his career. Capela has created excellent chemistry with Hawks standout Trae Young over three seasons with the team.

Josh Green, a first-round pick in 2020, has steadily improved at the start of his career, while Jaden Hardy, a second-round pick in 2022, recently finished his rookie season with an average of 8.8 points in 48 games.

As the discussions made no progress, both sides stuck to their initial choices. The Mavericks selected Carson Wallace with the 10th pick, but then traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Dereck Lively II, who was taken with the 12th pick by the Thunder. Meanwhile, with the 15th pick, the Hawks selected Kobe Bufkin.

Although the possible deal between the Hawks and Mavericks fell through, the teams will continue to look for alternative ways to improve their squads over the summer.