"The Greek Freak" will be hard to get on Brooklyn's end, but a seldom used rookie could ignite the future here.
The Brooklyn Nets are a popular pick among fans in identifying a trade destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Obviously the glitz and glamour of New York attracts any mega star.
"The Greek Freak," however, likely wants to suit up for an immediate contender...which rules out Brooklyn.
The Nets have the look of a team needing more younger pieces to build around. Veterans seeking a title are set to be turned off by the current 5-17 record and losing skid. However, this doesn't mean the Nets should ignore the phones and pull off a trade deal.
Michael Porter Jr. still needs help. He can especially use some inside muscle and a kick out shooter with height. That's where Sean Marks can look into the southern region for this seldom used rookie.
The Atlanta Hawks have had trouble handing Asa Newell minutes. They even grabbed him at No. 23 overall after starring in the Southeastern Conference. The former Georgia Bulldog even dropped 20 points on annual power Gonzaga -- becoming one of five games that saw the 6-foot-10 big score 20 points or more.
Newell, however, looks lost in a deep big room on the Hawks. He's not even the fourth best scoring among his position group -- which features Jalen Johnson leading the way with 23.2 points per game.
Where does Newell stand in the scoring department? He's sitting at 4.1 points per game -- still behind second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher and third-year player Mouhamed Gueye. Only Jacob Toppin has averaged less points per game (3.4) compared to Newell.
Newell has flashed when Atlanta gets him involved. He dropped 17 on the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 8, representing his season best mark. Newell even scored 11 on the Clippers during his last game with the Hawks. But again, the 6-foot-10 forward looks buried in the forward lineup.
What can Brooklyn relinquish to land Newell? Atlanta likely wants a draft pick in this scenario, but Brooklyn can convince the Hawks that a second rounder can come in this deal.
But the Hawks will likely want a forward if Newell is sent away. Ziare Williams is off limits after agreeing to a contract extension in September. But Noah Clowney can be moved here -- with the forward on the third year of his rookie deal with no word of an extension. He's also carrying a cap hit of $3.3 million for this season according to Spotrac which elevates to $5.4 million next season.
Newell can form a solid trio with Porter and Clowney up front, and boost the scoring down low. And for Newell, it gives the Atlanta native a fresher start in the bright lights of New York.