Timberwolves’ pursuit of Kevin Durant took a major hit earlier this month when reports emerged that they are not one of his preferred destinations. But the Minnesota team has not lost hope. They continue to be in constant conversation with the Suns, trying to formulate a deal that lands them the two-time champ. And they might have finally found a massive breakthrough that gets them closer to that goal, thanks to the Atlanta Hawks.

Amid the KD pursuit, the uncertain future of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid has also been a major concern for the Wolves. While Randle and Reid still have a looming player option decision, NAW’s two-year $9 million contract has come to an end, making him a free agent this summer. Although Walker has played a pivotal role in Wolves’ success, it’s unlikely that they will keep him due to their financial restrictions. Sign-and-trade seems like the best step forward. Enter Hawks.

Per veteran insider Brett Siegel, Hawks could be a potential suitor for NAW as they own a $25.2 million traded player exception they want to utilize. Walker has proven himself as a solid role player on a title contending team. He averaged 8.3 points and over two assists in the Wolves’ run to the West Finals. So, he could be the perfect piece for the Hawks that takes them closer to their championship goal. Meanwhile, Wolves can clear significant cap space by sending NAW to Atlanta, which could open the doors for a Kevin Durant trade.

Well, Minnesota has been one of the main teams in Suns’ focus during KD’s trade talks. And veteran insider Marc Stein reported that Mat Ishbia’s management is hoping to land a first round pick in this year’s draft in exchange for The Slim Reaper. Per Stein, Suns have attempted to “coax” multiple teams, including Rockets, Wolves, and Raptors to give up their first-round selections. If the Wolves truly want to boost their chances of acquiring Durant, they could offload NAW and then offer their number 17 pick to work out a deal with the Suns. Looks like Hawks suddenly hold a lot of power in the KD trade domino.

Atlanta Hawks deemed “team to watch” in trade market amid Trae Young’s bold promise

While Walker is only one of Hawks’ potential targets, they have flexibility to make major moves this summer. They are currently well under the tax aprons and have the league’s largest TPE at $25.2 million. Per Keith Smith, that makes Atlanta a “team to watch” in this off-season’s trade talks. Well, they already have a pending Caris LeVert decision, who just finished his two-year $32 million contract and would be seeking a new lucrative deal.

Reports suggest that Hawks plan to re-sign him, after he averaged 14.9 points and nearly four rebounds for them this season. Still, they will be left with plenty of room to make a significant move. And they are unlikely to hold back, especially after Trae Young’s bold claim. Responding to a fan tweet that claimed the Hawks will make the NBA Finals next season, Young responded, “Promise.”

Then, during an interview amid the ongoing NBA Finals, he doubled down by saying, “I have a feeling, hopefully, we’re here playing the Thunder next year and I’m not having this (dinner). Y’all will be watching me (in the NBA Finals) here in OKC.” It’s clear that Young is fed up with constant playoff failures and underwhelming seasons, and now, the Hawks have the financial capacity to do something about it. A big move in the coming weeks seems imminent. What do you think?