The Hawks need to be sellers at the deadline in order to actually build a future around Trae Young. The Pacers are buyers, looking for that future piece to fit in with a core of Haliburton, Siakam, and Turner, which they can’t find in free agency or the draft.

For the Hawks… there aren’t going to be great deals out there for Bogdan Bogdanovic. So what are the priorities for Atlanta? Clear his salary, gain a young talent, and possibly draft capital. This trade offers a bit of each. They not only clear his salary for future years and gain a handful of 2nd round picks, but they also gain the restricted free agency rights of Obi Toppin. Atlanta is heading into next season with only two wings under contract in Hunter and Johnson. They can sit back, let the market set the price for Toppin and decide if they want to pay it or not to give themselves their third forward. If they don’t want to pay, then don’t. Let him walk and keep the salary space. The point is, they open up their own options.

For the Pacers… they’re likely losing their best 3-point shooter in Hield no matter what, so trading him for the long term addition of Bogdanovic is a great call and he likely gets the opportunity to start next to Haliburton in the back court. Mathurin slides out to the SF position, Siakam and Turner round out the starting five. Mills is there just for salary match, but there is no better way to spend a few 2nd round picks and two players you’re likely not keeping for a potential starter with a shooting skill set that will spread the floor for Siakam and Mathurin to do what they do best and drive to the basket.