Jock Landale Could Become Hawks Trade Candidate Amid Frontcourt Logjam

Center Jock Landale is entering his sixth season and is ready to contribute to the Atlanta Hawks and their young frontcourt. However, with the team having to narrow its final roster to 15 by Oct. 19, he could become a trade candidate.

Landale was traded to the Hawks from the Utah Jazz in February, and he signed a one-year extension during the offseason. His contract is worth $14.1 million, giving Atlanta a movable mid-sized salary if the front office wants to make another deal.

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley believes Landale could be used as a trade asset because of that contract structure.

At this point, there are no reports indicating that Atlanta is actively looking to move him.

Atlanta has nine forwards and three centers on the roster. The team has an overcrowded frontcourt and will need to cut the roster down to 15.

The Hawks made the postseason last season and are looking to build on that success while continuing to develop young talent.

During the offseason, Atlanta's front office added to the roster through the draft, trade market, and free agency. The franchise brought in several players on manageable contracts while continuing to prioritize depth.

The Hawks drafted guard Kingston Flemings and center Zuby Ejiofor. Both are looking to develop while contributing this season.

Trading Landale could create more frontcourt minutes for Ejiofor and other young players.

Flemings, Ejiofor, and Henri Veesaar all signed their rookie deals. Atlanta also added Luguentz Dort in July.

The Hawks are operating over the salary cap after CJ McCollum agreed to a one-year, $21 million extension in June.

Atlanta does not have any player making more than $30 million this season, which could help the front office remain flexible if it wants to make a move during the regular season.

So far this preseason, Landale has appeared in both games as Atlanta has started 1-1. He has scored 14 points across 30 total minutes.

Landale provides the Hawks with floor spacing, versatility, and depth behind center Onyeka Okongwu.

That depth still matters over an 82-game season, when injuries and matchup changes can quickly alter a rotation.

Last season, the Saint Mary's product averaged 10.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 51.5% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range.

His 39.1% mark from deep was the seventh-highest on the team.

Atlanta has three preseason games remaining and will play the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, Oct. 10.