The Hawks currently sit at 22-26 — still in the mix for the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament — but will have to forge on without Jalen Johnson for the remainder of the season. As a reminder, their own first-round pick is out the door, but they do have the Lakers’ unprotected first-round pick and possibly Sacramento’s as well this season.
Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic have been important members to the team since the 2020-21 season, but recently the pair has been held out of competition for health and ‘away from team’ reasons per the organization. All that has led to speculation that one or both may be moved prior to Thursday’s trade deadline.
Marc Stein posted on his Substack blog on Thursday, 1/30/25, 9:30 AM about Bogdan Bogdanovic’s possible availability:
It has been known for some time that Atlanta is willing to trade veteran center Clint Capela, but league sources say that the Hawks have begun actively exploring the trade market for their own perimeter specialist: Bogdan Bogdanović.
Bogdanović has not shot the ball anywhere close to his usual standards this season at 37.1% from the field and 30.1% from deep. Yet he still has fans around the league and has to be monitored closely given the credible whispers this week that he could be on the move.
Any interested team has to be comfortable with the contractual realities on Bogdanović: The 32-year-old has one guaranteed year left on his contract and $16 million in 2025-26 before a $16 million team option (rather than player option) in 2026-27.
Sources have informed The Arizona Republic the Suns have been talking to teams throughout the league about trading 7-footer Jusuf Nurkic, with the Atlanta Hawks being one of those teams.
[…]
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported this week the Suns are looking to pair up one of the first-round picks they obtained from Utah with Nurkic to acquire a “high-level” rotation player.
Just looking at the Hawks and based on contracts alone, the Suns could trade Nurkic and a first-round pick for guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who is due $17.2 million this season.
Brandon Ingram is a guy who’s been on the trade block for months. […] I’m seeing a little bit of a warmup in some talks between [Ingram and Zach LaVine]. Specifically, keep an eye on the Atlanta Hawks.
They just lost their star wing Jalen Johnson for the season. They may start to get interested in making a move, especially for Brandon Ingram. Keep an eye on that.
Brad Rowland of the Locked on Hawks podcast echoes those rumors that he’s heard buzz surrounding this situation.
Clearly, the Hawks are making phone calls and exploring different scenarios for trades that may or may not happen by Thursday afternoon.
Ingram, in particular, is a surprising to Atlanta given his reported desire to land a large contract in the offseason. He’s only appeared in 18 games to this point, but he’s a proven 20+ point-per-game scorer and can aide in turning around the Hawks’ shooting struggles…at least for the final two months of the season and health permitting.
What do you make of these rumors?
In the latest NBA trade rumor roundup, it seems like the Atlanta Hawks are looking to shake things up by potentially trading away Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela. Reports suggest that the New Orleans Pelicans are interested in acquiring Bogi, while the Portland Trail Blazers are eyeing Capela.
On the flip side, the Hawks are rumored to be targeting Brandon Ingram from the Pelicans and Jusuf Nurkic from the Blazers in potential trades. Ingram, a former All-Star, could provide a scoring punch for Atlanta, while Nurkic’s defensive presence and rebounding could bolster their frontcourt.
It’s still uncertain whether these rumored trades will come to fruition, but it’s clear that the Hawks are exploring all options to improve their roster. Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
Jan 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) looks to the basket beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) in the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
At the end of another fantasy basketball week, let’s go over some possible drop candidates.
These players were all taken from the most dropped waiver trends section, which can be found on any FantasySP fantasy basketball page. Here was the first drop story from the week.
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Fantasy Outlook
Williams was dropped in 4.7% of leagues, bringing his total mark down to 25%.
He’s coming off a four-point game, which is a pretty good guess as to why he’s being dropped in fantasy leagues. Williams had four rebounds and two steals in that game, and 21 minutes played.
In 29 games and 14 starts this season, Williams is averaging 9.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1 steal and 0.3 blocks across 22.6 minutes. Since returning from a lengthy absence, Williams is averaging 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.4 blocks across 24.7 minutes across eight games and seven starts.
So while he’s coming off a tough fantasy performance, Williams’ numbers of late are actually better than his season averages. I think he’s doing enough to keep rostering him in the league he’s already owned in.
If Williams has a nice showing in his next game, his own percentage will rise again. Instead of adding and dropping players consistently, try to lock down some permanent fantasy building blocks. Based on his numbers of late, I’d keep holding Williams – if he continues to struggle, then you can drop him.
Fantasy Outlook
Boucher is down 4.1% and now rostered in just 23% of leagues.
Boucher is coming off a poor performance himself, so a lot of what I just wrote for Williams is probably going to apply here. They are even owned in a similar amount of leagues.
Boucher had five points and nine rebounds across 17 minutes in his last game – that’s not even bad fantasy production. For the season, he’s averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.6 steals and blocks across 17.6 minutes in 36 games played (all off the bench).
Even if you include a pair of single-digit scoring performances, Boucher is averaging 14 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.4 steals and blocks across 17.8 minutes over the past five games.
So I again think it’s premature to drop Boucher. He’s producing plenty of late, and will probably get scooped up if you let him go. The only way I’m dropping guys like Williams or Boucher is if there’s a can’t-miss player on the waiver wire, and those aren’t that common.
Just hold on to Boucher for a bit longer, because he could be a nice fantasy asset for those of you in deeper leagues.
Fantasy Outlook
Yabusele was dropped in 4% of leagues and sits at 35% overall now.
Yabusele has played a bigger role than expected this season as the 76ers deal with a number of injuries. He’s averaging 34.9 minutes over the past six games, just to give an example.
For the season, Yabusele has averaged 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks across 25.8 minutes in 39 games played and 18 starts.
While he’s failed to score in double figures five times over the past 13 games, and in three of the past four, Yabusele is also averaging 12 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks across 30.7 minutes in those 13 games.
He’s not a very consistent fantasy performer, but he’s doing enough most nights to be a fantasy asset to those of you in deeper leagues. I understand and don’t mind fantasy owners dropping him after some lower-scoring games, but I wouldn’t think his own percentage should fall too much more.
He’s still playing a bunch of minutes, and until the Sixers are healthier consistently, Yabusele should retain his big role. If Yabusele doesn’t make sense to roster in a deeper league right now, at least throw him on your watch list in case he heats up as a scorer again.
I think Yabusele will remain pretty involved all season, and there’s always the chance a trade, with him or one of his teammates, opens up more opportunities at some point. Don’t write Yabusele off after just a few lower-scoring games.
Fantasy Outlook
Capela saw his own percentage fall 3.4%, making his total 78%.
Capela is an interesting fantasy asset. He averages 9.5 points, 9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 1 block, but also only plays 22.8 minutes a game. Capela has been durable, starting all 40 of the team’s games so far. He also shoots a high percentage (57.2% overall).
On points and rebounds alone, Capela is a pretty solid fantasy asset. Sure, we’d love for him to play more minutes, but as is, Capela is scoring a healthy amount of fantasy points every night.
I’m a bit surprised to see his own percentage falling, because his production has been better of late. Capela is averaging 10.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.8 blocks across 23 minutes in the past four games.
Maybe he’s just being dropped with so many good waiver wire options appearing over the past week. Whatever the case, I expect Capela’s own percentage to hover between 75-85% most of the season.
He’s a nice fill-in option if one of your big men goes down with a multi-week injury. Capela also is a pretty solid option in category-based leagues because of his rebounding numbers.
Capela’s fantasy ceiling is probably pretty close to his season averages. Sure, there will be nights where he outperforms the averages by a good bit, but with just two games over 20 points and with 15 or more rebounds on the season, he’s more a consistent player than a streaky one.
Assess your fantasy team thoroughly and then determine whether Capela would help your team out in the long run.
Jan 14, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Fantasy Outlook
Krejci was let go in 3.3% of leagues and now is rostered in 13% overall.
Krejci is another case in which I do not understand why fantasy owners are dropping him. He’s scored in double figures in four straight games, and also has 15 rebounds, 18 assists, four steals and two blocks combined in those contests.
On the season, Krejci is averaging 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and assists, 0.6 steals and 0.4 blocks across 17.4 minutes in 25 games and eight starts. Atlanta has been missing some key rotation players of late, but until those players actually get back in the lineup, Krejci is worth rostering in quite a few deeper leagues.
Also, with the way he’s been playing of late, there’s a chance Krejci sticks in the rotation even when the team is at full health. If Krejci goes back to a reserve role and is producing closer to his season averages, then he can be dropped, but until that actually happens, I’d just ride the hot streak he is on.
Ziaire Williams, Chris Boucher, Guerschon Yabusele, Clint Capela and Vit Krejci: Rising Stars in the NBA
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, young talent is constantly emerging and making a name for themselves. Ziaire Williams, Chris Boucher, Guerschon Yabusele, Clint Capela, and Vit Krejci are just a few of the rising stars in the league who are turning heads with their skills and potential.
Ziaire Williams, a rookie forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, has shown flashes of his potential as a versatile scorer and defender. With his athleticism and length, Williams has the tools to become a key player for the Grizzlies in the years to come.
Chris Boucher, a forward/center for the Toronto Raptors, has also been making waves with his shot-blocking ability and improving offensive game. Boucher’s energy and hustle on both ends of the court have endeared him to Raptors fans and earned him a spot in the team’s rotation.
Guerschon Yabusele, a former first-round pick who now plays for the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association, has shown glimpses of his potential as a stretch big man with the ability to score inside and out. Yabusele’s combination of size and skill make him a unique player with a bright future in the league.
Clint Capela, a Swiss center for the Atlanta Hawks, has established himself as one of the premier rim protectors and rebounders in the NBA. Capela’s elite defensive presence and ability to finish around the rim have been instrumental in the Hawks’ success this season.
Vit Krejci, a rookie guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has impressed with his shooting touch and playmaking ability. Krejci’s basketball IQ and poise on the court bode well for his future in the league as he continues to develop his skills.
These five young players represent the next generation of talent in the NBA and are poised to make a significant impact in the years to come. Keep an eye on Ziaire Williams, Chris Boucher, Guerschon Yabusele, Clint Capela, and Vit Krejci as they continue to grow and develop their games at the highest level of basketball.
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