Potential Hawks trade targets emerge following Anthony Davis injury

The Atlanta Hawks were the team most closely connected to Anthony Davis trade rumors, but with his recent hand injury, a potential deal is now all but impossible. If Atlanta wants to upgrade its front court, they will have to pivot, but it’s possible their backup plan also resides with the Dallas Mavericks.

“The Hawks, league sources say, have been insistent that they were never willing to add former No. 1 overall Zaccharie Risacher to the expiring contracts of Kristaps Porziņģis and Luke Kennard in an offer for Davis, but I have heard a rival executive or two posit that the teams do have the option of pivoting to a potential Daniel Gafford swap that takes Risacher out of the haggling completely if they wish,” Marc Stein reports for The Stein Line. “Atlanta is said to have some interest in the Dallas big man alongside Indiana and Boston (which had widely explored the trade market for Anfernee Simons).”

Gafford — who has two more years remaining on his contract worth just over $18 million per season — is averaging 7.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 28 games for the Mavericks this season. The offensive production is down substantially, but offense has never been his forte. He offers value because of his presence as a rebounder and on defense. His game is eerily similar to Clint Capela when he was with the Hawks, and he’s still just 27 years old. The Hawks have been desperate for more depth in the front court, especially with Kristaps Porzingis struggling to stay healthy.

Another potential target that could pick up more steam as the trade deadline inches closer is former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies are reportedly attempting to follow in the Hawks’ footsteps by moving off Ja Morant, creating speculation that they could at least be open to listening to calls on Jackson.

“Numerous rival executives have been whispering about Jackson all season … trying to whisper into existence, perhaps, that the 26-year-old would seek an exit,” Jake Fischer reports for The Stein Line. “One inevitably wonders whether teams like Toronto and Atlanta, previously confirmed suitors for Dallas’ Anthony Davis, will attempt to test Memphis’ resolve for keeping Jackson now that the Mavericks’ big man is going to miss an extended amount of time with ligament damage in his left hand.”

Jackson, 26 years old, is a two-time All-Star with three years remaining on his contract at approximately $50 million per season. He was the Defensive Player of the Year during the 2022–2023 season and has been named to the All-Defensive Team three times. Jackson is also no scrub on the offensive end, averaging 20.8 points on 47.7% shooting from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc over the last four seasons.

For now, there are no confirmed reports that the Grizzlies intend to move him prior to the trade deadline, but it’s evident they are open to the idea of a major shake-up in Memphis.