Atlanta Hawks Blog – Page 2 – NBA Blog

Hawks trade Bogdan Bogdanovic to Clippers

The LA Clippers yesterday acquired Bogdan Bogdanović and three second-round draft picks in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Terance Mann and Bones Hyland, it was announced by Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations.

“Bogdan is a smart, competitive guard who brings shooting, passing and a high basketball IQ,” said Frank. “He has proven, both in the NBA and international play, that he is a terrific connector and a big shot maker.”

Bogdanović, 32, has played in 24 games for the Hawks this season, averaging 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.9 minutes. The 6-foot-5 guard has appeared in 473 games across eight NBA seasons with Sacramento and the Hawks, averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 28.6 minutes. Originally selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Bogdanović was named to the 2017-18 All-Rookie Second Team. A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Bogdanović has been a member of the Serbian National Team since 2013, winning silver medals at the 2016 Olympics, 2014 and 2023 FIBA World Cup and 2017 FIBA EuroBasket, as well as a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics.

“I can’t say enough good things about what T Mann has accomplished over the past six years, and what he’s meant to our organization,” said Frank. “We drafted him in 2019 and he became everything we hoped: a selfless, dependable pro who excels on both ends of the court and does whatever it takes to win. Everybody remembers the 39 points he scored against Utah to clinch our first conference finals berth. We’ll also remember his day-to-day consistency and competitiveness. He set a standard for our young players and left an imprint on our team that will live on. We are grateful to him and to Bones, an electric scorer who had some great moments here. Bones wants to play regularly and we’re hoping he gets the opportunity.”

Mann, 28, appeared in 37 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 6.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.8 minutes. The 6-foot-5 guard has played in 382 games across six NBA seasons since being selected by the Clippers with the 48th overall pick in ‘19. He averaged 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 49.8% from the field. Mann also appeared in the sixth-most playoff games in franchise history (43), averaging 6.0 points while shooting 50% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc.

Hyland, 24, appeared in 20 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 7.2 points, 1.4 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 11.1 minutes. The 6-foot-2 guard has played in 182 games across four NBA seasons with Denver and the Clippers, averaging 9.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 17.3 minutes. Originally selected with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Hyland was named to the 2021-22 All-Rookie Second Team.

Hawks trade De’Andre Hunter to Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday acquired forward De’Andre Hunter in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced from Cleveland Clinic Courts. As part of the trade, the Cavaliers sent three second round picks, two pick swaps and forward Georges Niang and guard Caris LeVert to Atlanta.

Hunter (6-7, 225) has played in 38 games (four starts) for Atlanta this season, averaging a career-high 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and a career-high 0.84 steals while shooting .461 from the field, a career-high .393 from the three-point line and .858 from the free-throw line in 28.8 minutes per contest. Hunter leads all NBA reserves this season in scoring, averaging 18.9 points off the bench, which is the highest scoring average for an NBA reserve since Lou Williams in 2017-18 (21.0 points). Hunter has recorded 20 or more points 18 times off the bench this season, the most among all NBA reserves. His 137 free throws made off the bench this season also leads NBA reserves. Hunter scored a career-high 35 points (12-21 FG, 4-8 3FG) against Minnesota on January 27th, tying the NBA season-high for points off the bench in a game this season. Additionally, Hunter scored 15 or more points in 16 straight games off the bench from November 27th to January 1st earlier this season, which is tied for the 11th-longest streak of 15-point games off the bench in NBA history.

“The acquisition of De’Andre Hunter and the potential impact a player of this caliber can bring to Cleveland is immeasurable,” said Altman. “His defensive versatility, in addition to his ability to make shots from the perimeter strengthens our overall depth to an elite level. We were presented with a great opportunity with this trade, one that was beneficial for the short- and long-term future of this franchise. While it’s always difficult to part ways with players who have meant so much to our success, we believe De’Andre, at 27-years-old, aligns with our long-term vision of sustainable success and ultimately competing for Championships.”

Over his six-year NBA career, Hunter has appeared in 300 regular season games (241 starts) with Atlanta, holding averages of 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds in 30.5 minutes. He is also shooting .449 from the field, .368 from the three-point line and .819 from the foul line. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has also appeared in 16 career postseason games with the Hawks, averaging 16.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 34.3 minutes while also shooting 32-80 (.400) from the three-point line in his playoff career. Hunter played three seasons at University of Virginia, helping the Cavaliers win the national championship in 2019 alongside current Cleveland guard Ty Jerome.

“We want to thank both Caris and Georges for their contributions to our organization,” added Altman. “Their professionalism and dedication both on and off the court have been instrumental in our historic start this season. Caris’ adaptability along with Georges’ leadership and experience have been invaluable, and their time in Cleveland has left a profound and lasting impression. We wish them nothing but the best for the remainder of their NBA careers.”

LeVert (6-6, 205) appeared in 199 games (53 starts) for the Cavaliers over parts of four different seasons (2022-2025) in Cleveland, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 0.98 steals in 28.5 minutes. He shot .431 from the field, .363 from the three-point line and .738 from the free throw line. LeVert also appeared in 16 postseason games with the Cavaliers over the last two seasons. Over nine NBA seasons, LeVert has played in 498 career regular season games (223 starts) for Brooklyn, Indiana and Cleveland, holding career averages of 13.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.05 steals in 27.8 minutes.

Niang (6-7. 235) played in 133 games (11 starts) during his two seasons in Cleveland (2023-2025), averaging 9.1 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting .459 from the field, .385 from the three-point line and .831 from the free throw line in 21.7 minutes. He also appeared in 10 playoff games for Cleveland last season. Niang has appeared in 516 regular season games (30 starts) in his career with Indiana, Utah, Philadelphia and Cleveland, holding career averages of 7.2 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting .445 from the field, .398 from the three-point line and .858 from the free throw line in 17.2 minutes. He has also appeared in 56 career postseason games.

Hunter will wear jersey #12 for the Cavaliers and the Cavs roster now sits at 16 players.

Hawks trade Cody Zeller to Rockets

The Houston Rockets yesterday acquired center Cody Zeller and a 2028 second round pick, which originally belonged to them, in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for the draft rights to Alpha Kaba.

Zeller (6-11, 247) was the fourth overall pick by Charlotte in the 2013 NBA Draft. The 11-year veteran has appeared in 552 games with 275 starts while averaging 7.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.7 minutes per game.

In a related move, the Rockets have waived guard Jaden Springer.

Injury update on Hawks forward Jalen Johnson

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, who left Atlanta’s Jan. 23 game vs. Toronto after sustaining a left shoulder dislocation, has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He is scheduled to undergo surgery next week at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex, performed by Dr. Kyle Hammond. Johnson will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season and is expected to make a full recovery in advance of the 2025-26 season.

Hawks sign Daeqwon Plowden to two-way contract

The Atlanta Hawks have signed guard/forward Daeqwon Plowden to a two-way contract.

Plowden has appeared in 14 games (six starts) for the College Park Skyhawks this season, averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in 27.8 minutes. He has netted 10-or-more points in 11 of his 14 games so far this season, including 20-or-more points twice. Plowden was signed by the Hawks on Sept. 27, 2024, before being waived on Oct. 18.

Undrafted in 2022, the 6-6 guard/forward has appeared in 105 NBA G League contests (28 starts) with College Park (14 games), Osceola (49, 2023-24) and Birmingham (42, 2022-23), owning career averages of 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 24.4 minutes (.445 FG%, .378 3FG%, .778 FT%).

Plowden, signed to a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 16, 2024, and waived on Sept. 24, appeared in eight games (all starts) for the Warriors this past summer during the California Classic and NBA 2K25 Summer League, tallying 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.5 minutes of action (.470 FG%, .396 3FG%, .714 FT%).

Named to the 2021-22 MAC All-Defensive Team and 2021-22 All-MAC Third Team, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native appeared in 154 collegiate games for Bowling Green State University, setting the program’s record for games played.

Hawks waive Seth Lundy

The Atlanta Hawks have requested waivers on two-way guard/forward Seth Lundy.

Lundy appeared in nine games with the Hawks during the 2023-24 season and 25 contests with the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League. In those 25 games with the Skyhawks (23 starts), he averaged 20.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 blocks in 32.6 minutes (.462 FG%, .400 3FG%, .803 FT%).

Selected by Atlanta with the 46th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Lundy spent the 2023-24 season on a two-way contract and was signed to another two-way contract by the Hawks on July 9, 2024.

Dyson Daniels named East Defensive Player of Month for October and November 2024

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels has been named the inaugural Defensive Player of the Month in the Eastern Conference for games played in October and November, the NBA announced.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama wins the award in the Western Conference.

The 21-year-old Daniels appeared in 19 games during October and November, recording 57 steals, 16 more than the next closest players (Tari Eason, Jalen Williams: 41). He also tallied 18 blocks, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan in 1988 to record at least 57 steals and 18 blocks within the first 19 games of a season. The 6-7 guard’s 75 stocks (steals + blocks) were the most in the Eastern Conference and second-most in the NBA, trailing only Wembanyama.

Hawks exercise contract options on Kobe Bufkin and Dyson Daniels

The Atlanta Hawks have exercised the third-year (2025-26) contract option for Kobe Bufkin and fourth-year (2025-26) contract option for Dyson Daniels, it was announced today.

Selected by the Hawks with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Bufkin appeared in 17 games during his rookie season, notching 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 11.5 minutes. The Michigan product scored his first NBA point at Milwaukee on Oct. 29, knocking down a free throw.

He saw action in 14 games (all starts) with the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League in 2023-24, averaging 23.6 points, 5.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 32.0 minutes. He netted 34 points in his Skyhawks debut on Dec. 27 against Greensboro, marking the most points scored in a Skyhawks’ debut in club history. In a win over the Motor City Cruise on Jan. 15, Bufkin tallied 12 points, 12 assists and five steals in 36 minutes, becoming the first Skyhawk in franchise history to contribute 10+ points, 10+ assists and 5+ steals in a single outing.

Daniels, who was acquired by Atlanta on July 6, 2024 from New Orleans, has appeared in four games (all starts) for the Hawks this season, posting 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.0 block in 32.5 minutes (.500 FG%, .353 3FG%). He currently leads the NBA in total steals (11) and deflections (28). His 28 deflections are 12 more than the next closest players (Nikola Jokic, Marcus Smart, Cason Wallace and Jonathan Mogbo all have 16 deflections).

A 2024 Panini Rising Star, Daniels recorded 1.4 steals per game during the 2023-24 campaign, the 10th-most in the NBA, and owned a .341 steal percentage last season, ranking fifth in the league (min. 50 GP). He recorded a career-high six steals at Utah on Nov. 25, becoming the only second-year player to record at least six steals in a single game this past season and one of only two first-or-second year players to do so, joining Victor Wembanyama. He recorded all six steals in the first half, tied for the most steals in a single half in the NBA this past season and tied for the second-most steals in a single half in New Orleans history.

Selected eighth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Pelicans, the 6-7 guard owns career averages of 5.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 20.4 minutes in 124 games (31 starts). Prior to the Pelicans, he spent the 2021-22 season with the NBA G League Ignite, where he was named to the 2022 Clorox Rising Stars roster.

Daniels, a native of Bendigo, Australia, played for Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hawks injury update on four players

Guard Bogdan Bogdanovic underwent a non-surgical procedure yesterday at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. He will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate.

Guard Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder subluxation) has begun treatment and rehabilitation. He will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate.

Guard Dyson Daniels sustained a right hip flexor strain during last night’s game vs. Washington. He will be listed as out for tomorrow’s game at Washington and will continue to receive treatment. His status is day-to-day.

Forward Vit Krejci sustained a right adductor strain during last night’s game vs. Washington. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate.

Hawks 2024-25 preseason game schedule

The Atlanta Hawks today announced the team’s four-game 2024 preseason schedule, including home contests against the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, along with road games at Miami and Oklahoma City.

Atlanta begins exhibition play on Tuesday, Oct. 8 versus Indiana (7:30 p.m.) before heading to Miami to take on the Heat on Thursday, Oct. 10 (7:30 p.m.). The Hawks return home to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, Oct. 14 (7:30 p.m.) and travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in Atlanta’s preseason finale on Thursday, Oct. 17 (8 p.m.).