The Atlanta Hawks Thursday traded young wing Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks, but the Los Angeles Lakers were reportedly also in the mix.
Atlanta dealt the 2019 No. 10 overall pick in exchange for a 2022 top-18 protected first-round pick, along with other moving parts. But the big piece Atlanta sought for Reddish was a first-round selection.
According to Fred Katz and Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Lakers offered two second-round picks, which wasn’t enough:
The front office had conversations with the Pacers, Lakers, Cavaliers and Pistons over the past several months, sources say, but the Hawks were always waiting for that first-round pick for Reddish.
Recently, The Athletic learned that the Lakers had offered two second-rounders for Reddish. Still, the Hawks believed a team would eventually offer the first-round pick they sought.
Reddish played 23.4 minutes per game with the Hawks and averaged 11.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.2% overall and 37.9% from deep.
The 22-year-old wing is touted as a 3-and-D player, though his defensive metrics can certainly improve. He would’ve been a solid addition that would’ve improved the young depth on the Lakers, but L.A. didn’t part ways with its 2027 or 2028 first-round picks. Both could be used down the line to entice a team for more proven talent.
