NBA Trade Rumors: Jabari Parker expected to be traded by the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the trade deadline

What's the rumor?

After beginning the season with back-to-back wins, the Atlanta Hawks have won just two out of their last 17 games. They also possess the NBA's longest losing streak (9 games), and the team is expected to be active in the trade market following another disastrous opening month to the season.

While only the outstanding Trae Young appears to be untouchable, Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors is reporting that Jabari Parker is among the most likely individuals to make way:

Still, at 4-15, the Hawks are already 3.5 games out of the postseason picture, so unless they start winning some games soon, they’ll have to consider shopping some veteran players. Although Parker is only 24, the sixth-year forward qualifies as one such veteran.

In case you didn't know...

Parker was selected with the second overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Bucks, and the forward spent four seasons in Milwaukee before splitting the 2018-19 season between the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.

After becoming an unrestricted free agent during the 2019 offseason, Parker signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Hawks, and he has averaged 17.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 19 appearances. However, Parker has a player option for the 20-21 season, and he earlier this week expressed his desire to return to the Bucks.

The heart of the matter

Parker has been among Atlanta's best performers this season, and he is a player that could make an immediate impact on a contending team. His salary also offers value for money, and it is difficult to envision the 24-year-old on the Hawks roster come February.

What's next?

After slipping to an overtime defeat to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, the Hawks will be looking to bounce back this evening as they take on James Harden and the Houston Rockets.