Could Hawkins remain an Atlantic trade cruiser?

Could the Hawkins class still be built for Atlantic trade protection without becoming a heavy cruiser?

Probably not in its historical form: existing light cruisers cover lower duties, while the Tiger Cub lineage supplies the higher-end role.

Hawkins was designed as a large light cruiser before treaty language created the heavy-versus-light distinction. In this timeline the C, D, and E classes already cover lower-end trade protection, while a new Tiger Cub generation covers the more powerful station-cruiser role. A separate Atlantic cruiser between those layers would duplicate capability. Hawkins is therefore more likely to evolve into another 9.2-inch station cruiser than to survive in historical form.