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NBA teams are running out of time and the league’s trade deadline is approaching March 25. However, this is the perfect time for fans to indulge in the many NBA rumors circulating out there. The latest rumors according to Kevin O’Connor from The ringer, around the Atlanta Hawks’ growing interest in Lonzo Ball. 2nd year wing Reddish Cam is at the center of this rumored business package. Let’s dive in.
NBA rumors: Hawks offer reddish cam for Lonzo Ball
While Reddish remains sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, that doesn’t take his name off the NBA rumors. According to these recent reports, the Hawks are willing to trade Reddish for Ball. Of course, that depends on whether the New Orleans Pelicans are up for it.
At first glance, this trading package, which may include a currency exchange or a collateral swap, makes sense for both parties. Both Reddish and Ball are highly rated prospects, both early in their respective careers. Reddish, a small forward at Duke University, has relatively lived up to expectations in his two years of NBA experience. Before his injury, Reddish averaged 11.2 points, four rebounds and 1.3 assists per game this season.
Ball, on the other hand, has suffered slightly from the unrealistic expectations this league offers of a No. 2 draft pick. The Los Angeles Lakers caught Ball with the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He found a home in New Orleans as part of the Anthony Davis trade. While Ball hasn’t earned an All-Star pick, he is an elite passer and a capable scorer. His defense has also improved. This season, Ball is averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 42.5 percent shooting from the field.
It’s easy to wonder why the Pelicans would be willing to leave behind such a promising young talent as Ball.
Are pelicans willing to walk away from the ball?
Ball’s availability remains the biggest deciding factor in these latest NBA rumors. He has been one of the best potential business candidates approaching this year’s deadline. And there are a couple of solid reasons.
For starters, Ball is approaching restricted free agency after this season ends. Is has been informed looking for more than $ 20 million per year in his next contract. Of course, with his restricted status, New Orleans will have the first grabs if they decide to keep him. This means that Pelicans head office will have to match at least any potential offer it gets on the market. Otherwise, they risk losing it completely and for nothing.
The Pelicans are also in a unique position with their entire roster. It’s pretty clear that of Ball’s young and upcoming trio of superstars, Brandon ingram, Y Zion Williamson, that Ball is the stranger. If forced to decide, the Pelicans would be more willing to stick with Ingram and Williamson.
It makes sense for the Pelicans to immediately find a return home and in exchange for Ball. New Orleans, despite this trio of young stars, is four games under .500 and on the outside of the playoff field looking inward. Despite the talent, this team struggles to win in the Western Conference. Now it makes more sense than ever to find a promising comeback for one of their young stars. Ball is the most expendable of the three.
Reddish Cam and Lonzo Ball Fits
In all honesty, this rumored trade provides a much better short-term option for the Hawks. Atlanta currently ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 22-21 record. They are more than six games out of third place, but they are only 2.5 games above a spot lost in the playoffs. Ball changes all this.
Imagining Ball, who plays as a low-touch point guard, along with lethal shots from Bring young and the talented trio of forwards and greats is a terrifying proposition. This lineup would surely rise to the top of the Eastern Conference and it would be a nightmare for teams to defend in the playoffs.
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On the other hand, a talented young prospect like Reddish is a far better return for New Orleans than the potential to lose Ball for nothing. Rojizo is still very young at 21 and has a long time to continue his development. He’s not an elite athlete in terms of other wings in the league, but he does have solid length and the ability to move up and down the court.
Reddish’s 3-pointers should continue to improve, providing him with a floor of at least a reliable 3-D player. He also plays well with the ball in hand and will continue to develop as an offensive pick-and-roll threat. The Pelicans could take a chance on his development as they wait for Williamson to become a true superstar and the face of this league.
Verdict on Cam Reddish Trade
After examining the latest NBA rumors involving a Reddish-Ball trade, this deal makes a lot of sense for both parties. Atlanta becomes a true championship contender in the East, while the Pelicans receive a talented comeback from Ball’s impending departure.
Hand photo
Insert from Getty Images
