There's nothing quite like the NBA offseason, even if teams are trading Twitter and Instagram posts instead of actual players and assets.
On Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets engaged in hard-core social media trade negotiations.
It all started when the Hawks tweeted that fans think they should go after everyone this offseason.
According to our mentions, we should trade for everybody.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 20, 2017
bruh. same.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 20, 2017
We'll trade you today's tweet for tomorrow's tweet and an unprotected future tweet.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 20, 2017
When the LA Clippers' Twitter account chimed in that the two teams should use the ESPN NBA Trade Machine to make the deal happen, discussions got very serious.
the trade machine says this works so u should definitely do it pic.twitter.com/GHCxCk0qAP
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 20, 2017
The Clippers are correct...ESPN trade machine says okay: pic.twitter.com/r1eLa5dptV
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 20, 2017
Throw in a snap with the puppy filter and we'll talk.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 20, 2017
Counter offer: pic.twitter.com/f77z3vmU7w
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 20, 2017
Add a future second round Instagram post and we have a deal 🤝
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 20, 2017
With the clock nearly ticking down to zero, the Hawks and Hornets were able to find common ground and complete the ultimate social media trade.
You drive a hard bargain, Hornets. You're lucky the trade machine still accepts. Deal! pic.twitter.com/7Jl7unR0oI
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 20, 2017
DONE 🙌 Great doing business with you fellas. Looking forward to seeing how this pans out over time.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 20, 2017
Can't wait to see how the writers grade this trade tomorrow 🤔
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 20, 2017
While these Twitter talks won't impact the NBA landscape quite like a potential trade for Paul George and Jimmy Butler would, it gives us hope that trade negotiations can be just as smooth.
Both teams did eventually make a real trade later in the day as the Hawks reportedly agreed to send center Dwight Howard to the Hornets in a three-player swap.
-- Isaac Chipps
