NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Trades To Help the Atlanta Hawks Catch the Miami Heat

Sitting five games back of the Miami Heat, the Atlanta Hawks are in need of a spark if they have any chance of catching the Heat.

With All-Stars Joe Johnson and Al Horford, the Hawks already have a great nucleus assembled, but there needs to be some change.

As evidenced by the past three seasons, the Hawks are not built for the playoffs.  Therefore, a trade needs to happen for Atlanta.

Though it will be extremely difficult to catch the Heat even if a trade does get done, Atlanta needs to at least try.

Here are five deals to help the Hawks catch the Heat.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 25: J.J. Hickson #21 of the of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads for the net as Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics defends on January 25, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Hawks receive: J.J. Hickson, Jamario Moon

Cavaliers receive: Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans, Pape Sy

This deal would bring Hickson, who is from metro Atlanta, back to his hometown and give the Hawks a big body off the bench to spare Josh Smith and Al Horford.

Crawford, the kid who dunked on LeBron James at the Nike camp, would be shipped to James' former team.  Not only does Crawford have potential to be a pretty good NBA player, but it would boost morale for Cavs fans, which is something they desperately need.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Timofey Mozgov #25 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

Hawks receive: Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest, Theo Ratliff

Lakers receive: Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia

If the Carmelo Anthony deal doesn't work out for the Lakers, they can always turn to the Hawks.

Los Angeles would get a very athletic Smith to complement Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, a serviceable Marvin Williams to replace Artest and a good backup center in Pachulia.

Meanwhile, the Hawks would get Bynum, who would be a better matchup for the Hawks against Dwight Howard than Horford, who would move to power forward.  Atlanta would also get Artest, who could give them a defensive presence like they've never had before.

3. Phoenix Suns

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 13: Marcin Gortat #4 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the NBA game at US Airways Center on February 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Kings defeated the Suns 113-108. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Hawks receive: Marcin Gortat

Suns receive: Zaza Pachulia, Jordan Crawford

The Hawks would receive one of the best backup centers in the game in Gortat, who can help defend Howard if the Hawks face the Orlando Magic.

The Suns would receive another good backup center in Pachulia, as well as Crawford, who could develop into more than just an average shooting guard.

2. Golden State Warriors

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Stephen Curry #30 the Golden State Warriors reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 10, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 112-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

Hawks receive: Stephen Curry, Andris Biedrins, Ekpe Udoh

Warriors receive: Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Jeff Teague

The Warriors have said that anyone can be traded.  Let's see the Hawks prove this statement correct.

Atlanta would receive a star in Curry, who can run the offense for many years to come, and a solid big man in Biedrins.

The Warriors would get an athletic Smith to pair with Monta Ellis, as well as a veteran point guard in Bibby and an up-and-coming guard in Teague.

1. New Jersey Nets

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 22: Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets drives the ball around Jarrett Jack #2 of the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on December 22, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Nets 105-91.

Hawks receive: Devin Harris, Troy Murphy

Nets receive: Josh Smith, Mike Bibby

This trade with the Nets would finally give the Hawks a young point guard that they can build around, something they have lacked for many seasons.  Atlanta also gets Murphy for the rest of the season, although his contract comes off the books at season's end and Atlanta obtains cap space.

The Nets would get a star in Smith, someone who will put butts in seats and excite the fan base as the Nets move to Brooklyn.