The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hawks'Moves point to successful future
Thoughtful rebuild will leave team with choices next summer.
The Hawks wanted to collect salary cap space and draft assets as part of their rebuilding effort. They have both — in abundance. Now, what they do with that collection to turn the franchise back into a contender and how fast it can be done remains to be seen. Hold on to your seats, this could still be a bumpy ride.
After a 24-win season in 201718, the Hawks entered the offseason with three first- and one second-round draft picks and $20 million in salary cap space. General manager Travis Schlenk told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in July he would not spend in free agency but rather make trades to net assets by taking on expiring contracts with available cap space.
Here is how the Hawks spent their trove and what it means going forward.
■ Acquired Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Omari Spellman with their first-round selections. They traded their second-round pick, after selecting Devonte Graham, to the Hornets for second-round picks in 2019 and 2023.
■ Acquired veteran point guard Jeremy Lin in a trade with the Nets. The Hawks also parted with a 2020 second-round pick (via the Trail Blazers) and the rights to Isaia Cordinier. The Hawks
received the right to swap second-round picks in 2023 and a second-round pick in 2025. The Hawks used about $13 million in cap space to take on Lin’s expiring contract.
■ In a blockbuster move Thursday, the Hawks agreed to a three-team trade with the Thunder and 76ers. The Hawks received Carmelo Anthony, who they will buy out, from the Thunder and Justin Anderson from the 76ers. They sent Dennis Schroder to the Thunder and Mike Muscala to the 76ers. The Hawks also received the Thunder’s firstround draft pick in 2022 (protected 1-14), which will become two second-round picks if it does not convey. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot went to the Thunder. They Hawks will waive Antonius Cleveland, as soon as today, as part of making the deal work. By absorbing Anthony’s $27.9 million contract, the Hawks are out of salary cap space. The deal is expected to be completed in about 10 days.
In summary, the Hawks turned their $20 million in cap space into a future firstround pick, a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap. They will go into next season with a roster not expected to win under new head coach Lloyd Pierce, thus enhancing their own draft position, and a chance to scrutinize and develop a core of young players with Kent Bazemore (now the longest tenured Hawk), Taurean Prince, DeAndre Bembry, John Collins, Tyler Dorsey and their three rookies. The Hawks cleared the way for Young and got a first-round pick for Schroder, who they had to trade.
The Hawks met with the Thunder during the Las Vegas Summer League earlier this month. The Thunder were looking to move Anthony without it costing them assets. The Hawks were one of just a few teams with the available cap space to take on Anthony’s contract. Schlenk wasn’t going to use all his cap space for Anthony and get nothing in return as the 10-time all-star was never going to play for the Hawks. Even with the move to acquire Lin, seemingly decreasing his ability to get anything of significance for Schroder, Schlenk got a firstround pick and removed a player with issues – on and off the court.
Perhaps most important move this offseason will be seen next year. The Hawks substantially added to their salary cap space for next summer as they went from approximately $30 million to $45 million in available funds. The Hawks may not be an attractive destination for free agents next year but depending on how the rebuilding project goes, they could be in the future.
Look no further than the 76ers. Who wanted to play in Philadelphia while the team was winning 19, 18, 10 and 28 games.. Following the successful rebuild and 52 wins, the 76ers were considered a landing spot for LeBron James this summer.
After this summer, the Hawks have choices. Now, the must choose wisely.