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Eric MoodyESPN
It was rumored in recent weeks that Cam Reddish, the 2019 lottery pick who has showed flashes in his third NBA season, could be dealt by Atlanta Hawks before the league’s trade deadline. Those rumors came true Thursday when the Hawks agreed to trade the small forward to the New York Knicks, a move that could allow Reddish to have an expanded role and potentially earn a career-defining extension in New York.
In the deal, the Hawks acquired a protected 2022 first-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets in addition to fourth-year pro Kevin Knox II, the No. 9 pick in the 2018 draft. Veteran Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-round pick head to the Knicks with Reddish. The trade reunites Reddish with former Duke teammate RJ Barrett.
In spite of Reddish playing a career-low 23.4 MPG this season in Atlanta, the 22-year-old has posted career bests not only as a scorer (11.9 PPG) but also as a shooter; his 40.2 FG%, 37.9 3FG% and 90.0 FT% are all high-water marks for the emerging swingman. There is upside here — that much is evident — and Reddish erupted for 30 points twice in December, proving what he’s capable of when he gets more playing time.
Will that happen in New York?
Adding Reddish (who is available in 92% of ESPN fantasy leagues) is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Knicks that could propel them back into playoff contention after a 21-21 start to the season. The Knicks are walking away from this deal with a massive haul without sacrificing too much, and could use Reddish right away as a third scoring option behind Barrett and Julius Randle while Derrick Rose is out.
Evan Fournier has not lived up to expectations this season, averaging only 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals and about 29 minutes per game. Reddish stands a chance of carving out a massive role in the Knicks’ rotation, with his minutes increasing from where they were in Atlanta. Despite missing the Hawks’ game against the Heat on Wednesday, he may suit up for the Knicks against the Hawks on Saturday.
As far as the Hawks are concerned, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter should maintain their recent usage following Reddish’s departure from Atlanta. This season, Bogdanovic has put up 12.2 PPG in 28.9 MPG, but his other statistical contributions have been limited. Huerter, who has averaged 11.3 PPG in 28.5 MPG, is in a similar situation. Both could get a slight bump in fantasy value.
De’Andre Hunter, who just returned to action after a two-month absence due to wrist surgery, can benefit the most. Based on his statistical body of work, Hunter is a capable fantasy producer in multiple categories. He should be stash-worthy as his conditioning improves, since he is available in 92.4% of ESPN leagues. Hunter, the other player the Hawks got in the 2019 lottery (No. 4 overall, obtained via trade), has averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists per 40 minutes this season, and has the skill set to be a valuable player down the stretch if he can stay healthy.