Hawks and Clippers Trade Star Forwards in Blockbuster Deal

The Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers made a major shake-up in the NBA last night, trading star forwards in a deal that sent Dominique Wilkins and the team's No. 1 draft pick to the Clippers in exchange for disgruntled Danny Manning. This move comes after weeks of negotiations and came at the National Basketball Association trade deadline of 9 p.m. EST. The trade has significant implications for both teams and their respective players, with Manning and Wilkins set to become unrestricted free agents after the season.

Key Takeaways:

• The trade sent Dominique Wilkins, a 12-year veteran and eight-time all-star, to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Danny Manning.
• The Hawks received the Clippers' pick in the 1994 or 1995 NBA draft.
• Manning, a 6-foot-10 forward, was a key player for the Clippers but had given them an ultimatum: trade him or risk losing him for nothing.
• The trade was announced at the NBA trade deadline of 9 p.m. EST.
• Both Manning and Wilkins will become unrestricted free agents after the season, meaning they can sign with any NBA team without compensation to their former clubs.
• Manning has averaged at least 25.9 points per game over the past nine seasons, but his average has dropped to 24.4 points in 49 games this season.
• Wilkins is a perennial all-star with 23,292 career points, ranking him ninth in NBA history.
• Elgin Baylor, Clippers vice-president, expressed enthusiasm for the trade, citing Manning's charisma and electrifying play.

Statistics:

• Dominique Wilkins has 23,292 career points, ranking him ninth in NBA history.
• Wilkins has averaged at least 25.9 points per game over the past nine seasons.
• Manning's average drops to 24.4 points in 49 games this season.
• The trade deadline was 9 p.m. EST.
• The Hawks and Clippers have made a significant roster shake-up with this trade.

Sources:

• Associated Press. (1989, January 28). Hawks and Clippers Trade Star Forwards. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.