Cam Reddish’s up-and-down tenure with the Hawks came to a close Thursday.
The Hawks are trading the 22-year-old wing to the Knicks in deal that gives them a protected first-round 2022 pick (via the Hornets) and Kevin Knox, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The Knicks also will receive Solomon Hill and a 2025 second-round pick (via Brooklyn). ESPN first reported the deal, which the AJC confirmed. Knox averaged 12.8 points in 28.8 minutes per game his rookie season (2018-19) with New York and this season has struggled to get playing time, averaging 3.6 points in 8.5 minutes per game.
The Hawks selected Reddish at No. 10 in the 2019 NBA draft, a pick they acquired when they traded Luka Doncic (at No. 3 the year before) for Trae Young (at No. 5), and in certain moments over the past three seasons he flashed major potential. But, injuries and shooting inconsistencies muddled his path with the Hawks. Reddish played in only 26 games last season, missing extended time with right Achilles soreness, and missed Summer League his rookie season, when he was coming off core muscle surgery.
Starting out, Reddish struggled with his shot, but finished his rookie season strong, eventually averaging out to 38.4% from the field and 33.2% from 3-point range. His second season in the league, in a small sample size, Reddish’s numbers dipped to 36.5% from the field (26.2% from 3). This season, he was averaging 11.9 points in 23.4 minutes per game (a career-low in playing time among a crowded wing rotation), his 3-point shooting taking a jump from 26.2% last season to 37.9% (40.2% from the field overall).
His abilities on defense largely have been a strength, with Reddish often showing off his length and scrappiness as a disruptor. But this season, Reddish had regressed on that end of the floor. Reddish is still a young player with ample athletic ability and potential, and if he can stay healthy, he may be able to gain more traction in New York.
As the Hawks search for answers, general manager Travis Schlenk essentially has said the Hawks would be active at the trade deadline (Feb. 10), and Schlenk, John Collins and Trae Young have commented on the need for better effort and urgency from the team. So, the Reddish move may be only the first domino for the Hawks, who now have another draft pick in their arsenal.
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